Member-only story
Iowa Caucuses Winner Usually Won’t Become the Nominee: A Prelude, Not a Guarantee
The Iowa caucuses have long been regarded as the inaugural battleground in the race for the U.S. presidential nomination. However, contrary to what some may believe, emerging victorious in Iowa does not ensure an unobstructed path to becoming the final nominee.
The significance of the Iowa caucuses lies in their role as the starting point of the complex and multifaceted nominating process. Candidates invest significant time, resources, and energy into this Midwestern state, hoping to garner early momentum and establish themselves as serious contenders.
What does recent history tell?
Here is a list of Republican winners in recent contested Iowa caucuses for presidential nominations.
2016 — Ted Cruz
2012 — Rick Santorum
2008 — Mike Huckabee
None of the Iowa winners had clinched the nomination in the Republican national convention.
Democratic Party has a similar pattern. Here are the Democratic winners in contested Iowa caucuses for presidential nominations since…