Former President Donald Trump is the projected winner of the first contest of the Republican primary season on Monday night, further confirming his status as the GOP frontrunner.
Trump's victory Monday night was anticipated. Recent polls showed him far ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in the Hawkeye State. A Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom poll just before the Iowa caucuses showed Trump with 48% support among likely GOP caucusgoers, ahead of Haley's 20% and DeSantis's 16%. Other polls showed Trump with a similarly commanding lead.
How did Trump get here?
Trump has also been picking up support nationally. Support for Trump among likely GOP primary voters nationwide has increased from 58% in May 2023, to 69% now.
Trump's supporters are also not just behind him, but behind him enthusiastically. Among likely GOP primary voters who are Trump voters, 81% say they enthusiastically support him, according to a November CBS News/YouGov poll.
GOP primary voters say Trump, rather than Haley or DeSantis, is the most likely to beat President Biden.
According to recent polling data from CBS News/YouGov, Nikki Haley has the strongest chance of beating Mr. Biden in a hypothetical matchup. Among GOP primary voters, 70% believe that Trump would definitely beat Mr. Biden, while only 37% think DeSantis definitely could and 31% say the same for Haley. However, the polling data suggests that Haley would have the strongest chance against Mr. Biden, followed by DeSantis.
When will we have the final results for the winner of the Iowa caucuses?
The full results of the Iowa caucuses are expected to be available late Monday night or early Tuesday. However, a clearer picture of the second, third, and fourth place finishers should be available sooner. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis are currently competing for second place.
Why are the results of the Iowa caucus so significant?
The Iowa caucuses hold great importance as they are seen as an early indicator of future success for candidates. Typically, making it into the top three in Iowa is crucial for candidates. However, it's worth noting that winning the Iowa caucuses doesn't guarantee the nomination. In 2016, Sen. Ted Cruz won the Iowa caucuses, but Trump, who came in second, ultimately became the nominee.
