In a pivotal development, former President Donald Trump is set to win the Iowa caucuses, marking his first election since his exit in 2020. CNN projects his triumph, solidifying his position as the leading contender for the 2024 Republican nomination, potentially setting the stage for a rematch against incumbent Joe Biden.
As per initial results, around 4% of the votes have been released, projecting Trump to secure 16 out of Iowa’s 40 delegates. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley are estimated to receive four delegates each, leaving 16 delegates yet to be allocated. To secure the GOP nomination, a candidate needs at least 1,215 out of 2,429 delegates awarded.
The spotlight now turns to New Hampshire, which will host its first-in-the-nation Republican primary on January 23. Trump’s victory in Iowa intensifies pressure on his GOP rivals, particularly DeSantis and Haley, ahead of the upcoming contest.
Despite Trump’s commanding lead, the race in New Hampshire remains competitive, with Haley gaining ground and hoping to appeal to a more ideologically diverse electorate. The outcome in Iowa has added significance for DeSantis, who invested heavily in the state with hopes of signaling a changing of the guard in national Republican politics.
Political strategists suggest that a Trump win in both Iowa and New Hampshire could significantly impact the rest of the election cycle, making it challenging for another GOP candidate to catch up before the general election.
Notwithstanding his current success, Trump faces considerable challenges, including multiple criminal indictments and legal battles across the country. In some states, efforts are underway to remove him from the ballot, with the Colorado Supreme Court ruling him ‘disqualified’ under the 14th Amendment’s insurrection clause.
Trump, however, dismisses these legal challenges as “political attacks” and portrays himself as the victim of a “witch hunt.” Despite the hurdles, Trump remains confident, stating in a recent rally in Iowa, “We’re going to win the Iowa caucuses and then we’re going to crush crooked Joe Biden next November.” He also cites favorable polls in New Hampshire and nationwide, where he claims to lead by almost 60 points, expressing optimism about his prospects in the upcoming primaries and the 2024 election.
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