Photos: Iowa Caucuses 2024

Iowans braved dangerously cold temperatures Monday to participate in caucuses at schools, churches and community centers across the state. pic.twitter.com/eVt01K9XAc

— The Gazette (@gazettedotcom) January 16, 2024

.@RonDesantis: “We’ve got our ticket punched out of Iowa.” #IAcaucus. pic.twitter.com/usW5KUCVDN

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) January 16, 2024

Former President Donald Trump held a caucus watch party at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines on Monday. 51 percent of Republicans voted for Trump's appearance in the 2024 presidential election as of 10:20 p.m. 📸: @_graceephotos pic.twitter.com/PgYTkX7WV0

— The Daily Iowan (@TheDailyIowan) January 16, 2024

With the official Iowa Republican caucus results now nearly complete, the historical nature of Donald Trump's victory is in focus: 

Trump's 30-point victory margin is far and away the largest ever for a non-incumbent in a Republican Iowa caucus.

Trump is the first GOP non-incumbent candidate to surpass 50 percent in Iowa.

Donald Trump with a 2014 Terry Branstad-like victory in the #iacaucus, winning 98 of 99 counties, failing only to win Johnson County.

In 2014, Johnson Co. was the only carried by Jack Hatch, the Democratic candidate for #iagov.
Tonight, Johnson Co. went to Nikki Haley.

— Erin Murphy (@ErinDMurphy) January 16, 2024

David DeLayo, 40, of Marion Precinct 4, caucused for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley because she felt like the "adult in the room" — a realistic and balanced candidate, in his eyes — compared to the other options.

"I honestly think Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy. I think he would change the Constitution," Delayo, an Army veteran, said. "I took an oath to defend that Constitution, so I thought it was my duty to come out here and show my support for someone who I think will defend the Constitution."

What number would have kept him in, I wonder.

NEWS: GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is dropping out of race after low numbers in Iowa caucuses, per sources.

— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 16, 2024

.@gazettedotcom’s caucus coverage was on fire 🔥 (actually there’s a leak in the building, would it be a caucus night without some chaos?) pic.twitter.com/Lpdz1qfrKe

— Marissa Payne (@marissajpayne) January 16, 2024

Caucus goers, donned with heavy winter coats, had to dodge mounds of snow in the Linn-Mar High School parking lot as they made their way inside.

The school’s Little Theater housed Marion Precincts 4 and 6. The room was a little over halfway full, the empty seats a reminder of the bitter cold outside and its potential impacts on attendance. Some voters wore merchandise sporting their favorite candidate. Several brought their children; an infant cooed in the back row.

The crowd chatted with each other up until 7 p.m. Then, they fell silent. It was time to reason with each other. Speakers praised former president Donald Trump, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy at the front of the room, hoping to sway their peers.

"We need to unify the country," said Steve Carroll, 66, of Marion Precinct 4, who cast his vote for Haley. "It's not going to happen overnight. It didn't come about overnight."

When it came down to the votes, though, there was a clear winner: Trump was the favored candidate in Marion Precincts 4 and 6, with 37 and 34 votes respectively. Haley was a close second, earning 28 and 26 votes, followed by DeSantis, with 18 votes in each precinct.

During his caucus victory speech, Donald Trump thanks supporter and Iowa AG Brenna Bird, and says he thinks she'll be Iowa governor some day.

Former President Donald Trump, winner of the 2024 Iowa Republican caucuses, is coming to the stage here in Des Moines.

Two things I'm watching/thinking as more official #iacaucus results are reported ...

1. How big will the margin be? Right now it's historically huge, nearly +30. And Trump walking the 50% line.

2. It's looking like a rough night for the "I don't believe the polls" crowd.

— Erin Murphy (@ErinDMurphy) January 16, 2024

Scenes from caucuses across Eastern Iowa

The Gazette's team of photojournalists have been at caucus locations across Eastern Iowa tonight. Check out some of their photos in this gallery.

Northwest Cedar Rapids precincts go for Trump

Precincts 19 and 20 at The Salvation Army in northwest Cedar Rapids broke strongly in favor of former President Donald Trump. Out of 134 caucus-goers, 63 voted for Trump.

“He’s the only person I can trust that he’ll do what he says he’s going to do,” said James Junkins, 49, of Cedar Rapids. “Every election cycle, (candidates) say they’re going to change this, change that – they tell us what we want to hear. But they (can’t withstand) the highest bidder when they get to Washington, D.C.”

Together with both precincts in the gymnasium, former South Carolina Governor and United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley trailed second with 28 votes.

Haley supporter Dave Anderson, a lifelong Republican and retired AT&T technician, was unswayed by arguments in favor of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ or Trump’s record on the economy. Electability was his top concern, and he would vote for President Joe Biden over DeSantis or Trump.

“If it weren’t for Mickey Mouse, (DeSantis) wouldn’t have much of an economy,” said Anderson, 71.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was a close third with 25 votes. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy came in fourth with 17 combined votes. Those in favor of DeSantis often liked Trump’s policies, but disliked Trump.

“(Trump) is far too volatile, and there’s too much to deal with that could take away from what he’d do in office,” said financial analyst Jacob Cuellar, 30.

“He’s Trump without the drama,” said caregiver Toni Overton, 61.

Undeterred by subzero temperatures, the line to enter the precincts’ location was nearly out the door as soon as the doors opened at 6 p.m. As the gymnasium filled up, volunteers set up extra tables and chairs. One precinct official noted that the attendance for Precinct 20 had twice the attendance it did in 2016.

Crocheted slippers and policy discussions at Democratic caucus

Ellen Wrede, 32, of Iowa City, was crocheting ocher-colored slippers during the Democratic Precinct 17 caucus Monday night at City High. She caucused in 2020, when passionate supporters of Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and other Democratic presidential candidates tried to sway hundreds of voters to help their candidates claim delegates in a messy, but exciting, process.

This year was more... "relaxed," said Wrede, a librarian at the University of Iowa Law Library. 

"I'm here a little bit out of civic duty and curiosity to see what the process is," Wrede said, adding that she thinks most in her precinct feel similarly about key issues, including heading off climate change and stopping gun violence and what she sees as attacks on education.

"There's so much that's hard to stomach these days." 

Wrede sees the 2024 presidential election as a "harm-reduction time" because she isn't inspired by President Joe Biden, but feels like he's better than any Republican alternative -- especially former President Donald Trump.  

As the toe of the bootie came together under Wrede's crochet hooks, the precinct nominated and voted for Central Committee members and delegates to the March 23 Johnson County Democratic Convention. Chair Nancy Porter, a retired teacher, called out people by name to encourage them to nominate themselves. With only 15 people in the meeting at 10 delegates needed, there were some awkward pauses as Porter waited for nominations. But in the end, all the holes were filled and the meeting broke around 8:30 a.m. 

What we know so far about the caucus results

While official results are being tallied and reported, multiple national media organizations have already called the Iowa Republican caucuses for Donald Trump. Here's our story on what we know so far.

A big batch of official results were just posted to the Republican Party of Iowa's caucus results site. We're now at nearly 40% of "counties approved" and it's Trump 50.8%, DeSantis 21.3%, Haley 19.2%, and Ramaswamy 7.6%

DeSantis, Haley battle for second place

WEST DES MOINES — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley were locked in a tight race for second place in the Republican Iowa caucuses as results flowed in Monday night. 

With about 40 percent of the votes in as of 9:15 p.m., neither candidate had solidified themselves as the clear alternative to former President Donald Trump, who The Associated Press declared the caucus victor and had gathered more than half of reported results. 

Ron DeSantis marshaled a robust network of precinct captains and canvassers to try to boost the Florida governor to second place past Haley. 

Never Back Down, a DeSantis-aligned super PAC supporting but not directly affiliated with his campaign, led the bulk of Iowa organizing for the Florida governor. PAC officials said they recruited more than 1,600 precinct captains, spanning nearly every caucus site in the state.

Volunteers organized rides to caucus sites, door-knocked in subzero temperatures and readied to shovel driveways, if needed, to help get supporters out.

DeSantis, though, could not overcome a commanding lead by former President Donald Trump to pull off a caucus night upset.

Once widely viewed as the favorite to challenge Trump, DeSantis struggled to narrow the gap with the Republican presidential frontrunner, despite earning endorsements from top state Republicans, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Christian evangelical leader Bob Vander Plaats.

DeSantis also faced a mounting challenge from Haley, who pulled ahead of DeSantis in polling just days before Monday’s high-stakes Iowa GOP caucuses that could help determine whether either candidate has a viable shot at upending Trump’s path to the nomination.

Democrats support solar and wind, ranked choice voting, preschool

The Iowa City Precinct 17 Democratic caucuses ended at 8:30 p.m. with the gathering of resolutions asking elected officials to support of solar and wind projects, change to ranked choice voting and provide preschool to all Iowa 4-year-olds. Precinct chair Nancy Porter, a retired teacher, showed off the patriotic sequined vest she wears for caucus night. 

 

In Solon, pledge and prayer precede voting

The voices of 111 people filled the first floor of Palmer House Stable in Solon on Monday as they collectively recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer, followed by "God Bless America," to kickstart the 2024 Republican caucuses. The American flag, draped on a wooden arch typically intended for small weddings, acted as a backdrop for the night's speakers at the front of the room. 

Donald Trump won the Big Grove precinct with 40 votes, followed by Ron DeSantis with 30 votes. Nikki Haley trailed close behind DeSantis with 29 votes. Vivek Ramaswamy garnered the least votes with 11. 

Four speakers vocalized their support for each candidate, all of whom were women. While their opinions differed on who would make the best candidate in the upcoming presidential election, they all agreed on one thing: President Joe Biden should be removed from the White House.

"I like Vivek (Ramaswamy). I like Ron DeSantis. I'm lukewarm on Nikki Haley, quite frankly. But hey, if she gets the nomination, I will not only support her, I will give her money," Jim Shymansky, 80, of Solon, told the crowd, "because it's such a demand. We have to vote Republican and get the jerk out of the White House." 

Shymansky, a retired professor, was met with applause. 

Binkley's spirituality wins voter's support

Debbie Primrose, 54, of West Des Moines, attended the caucus at Precinct 226 and 227, and caucused for Ryan Binkley. Originally a Trump supporter, Primrose said Binkley earned her support after she met him at the West Des Moines parade.

She liked the fact that he didn't bring baggage like Trump and that he was also a pastor, which she said lends him a uniquely spiritual and conservative perspective.

She's been participating in caucuses since she was 16, and said she appreciates the fact voters can meet with candidates during the caucuses. She contrasted this to voters on the coasts, who she said don't get to interact with candidates as directly.

"We get to see the presidential candidates, we get to talk to them, we get to actually make an informed decision," Primrose said. "I think a lot of people on the coasts aren't informed because they can't get the one-on-one time with them, and that's nice."

Caucuses gave Democrats 'an opportunity to get together'

Iowa House Minority Leader, Jennifer Konfrst, said the Iowa Democratic caucus has given Democrats the opportunity to come together and build support for the upcoming election. "What I loved about the caucuses this year is that, for Democrats, it provided us with an opportunity to get together and coordinate to talk about how excited we are for the general election," Konfrst said.

Konfrst commented that the mail in voting process increases accessibility for people to participate in the Iowa caucus especially when temperatures are below freezing. "If someone's working tonight, if they can't get childcare, if it's too cold for them to go out, they can still have their voices heard," Konfrst said.

When asked about feelings on Iowa losing it's leadoff spot in order of states to vote in the Democrat presidential primary, Konfrst said there was disappointment. However, Konfrst said she feels Democrats can make a strong case for how engaged Iowans are in the caucus process and hopefully revisit the primary voting order for 2028. "We think that once we're able to show what happened tonight with those Presidential Preference Cards and are able to show over the course of the next few weeks how Iowans engaged in the process, I think that we're gonna be able to make a really good case to the DNC that we should be, you know, in those early states for the 2028 cycle," Konfrst said. 

A switch from Christie to Haley

Retired AT&T technician Dave Anderson, sporting a button for former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, describes himself as “your run of the mill small government, low taxes Republican,” but not a “MAGA Republican,” like the majority of his fellow caucusgoers at Precinct 19 in northwest Cedar Rapids.

He chose Haley for her civility and lack of negativity in the campaign cycle, which was a priority for the Cedar Rapids resident.

He liked other candidates, like former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who have since dropped out. He voted Republican until 2016.

He was unswayed by arguments for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's acumen in fiscal policy or former President Donald Trump's performance in economic issues, citing a significant drop in his retirement funds under the Trump Administration and a substantial boost in them under Biden's administration.

If DeSantis or Trump are the GOP nominee in the election this November, he said he will vote for President Joe Biden.

.@RonDeSantis supporters start to file into watch party in West Des Moines. #IACaucus pic.twitter.com/kQkaZ32TYv

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) January 16, 2024

Cedar Rapids veteran: Ramaswamy is right about 'woke' military

Katie Karamitros, 28, who retired from the military last month, was “pumped” to be caucusing for the first time.

Karamitros moved back to Cedar Rapids after a decade on the East Coast to “reestablish my roots,” and said she “forgot how much attention (presidential) candidates pay to Iowa.”

“People on the East Coast give Iowa a hard time. It’s fun to come back and see the candidates be enthusiastic about it,” Karamitros said.

Karamitros cast her vote at Washington High School for Vivek Ramaswamy, who she said is a “fresh face for my generation.”

Voters, however, at precinct 16 and 17 in Cedar Rapids, voted in favor of Nikki Haley, who received 39 votes. Donald Trump came in second with 29 votes, followed by Ron DeSantis. There were more than 100 people in attendance between the two precincts.

Karamitros also supports Donald Trump, but “I don’t know how he plans to run the country between court dates,” she said.

Ramaswamy, on the other hand, has enthusiasm and drive, Karamitros said. “He knows he’s the underdog, but he’s really enthusiastic about staying on the trail,” she said.

Karamitros said she agrees with Ramaswamy’s attitude on “purging the military of woke indoctrination. “After spending eight and a half years in the military, I can vouch my personal opinion is that the military is too woke,” she said.

Karamitros said she approves of Ramaswamy’s plan to reinstate military officials who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, which is no longer mandated. The Department of Defense continues to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members to maintain a high level of immunity.

“I had a lot of close friends lose their career over the vaccine,” Karamitros said.

Ron and Debbie Smith caucused for Trump.

“Everything I dislike about him is why I like him,” said Ron, 58, a remote contract worker. “He makes you feel uncomfortable, but he does the uncomfortable things that need to get done. Everyone else is all talk.”

Debbie, 55, who has been a stay at home mother to 10 children, said they are caucusing for the first time because they believe strongly in Trump and “wanted to step in earlier” to the election process.

Sporting the most sparkly, bedazzled Trump denim hat in the room, Lisa Bermel had her caucus choice written on her head at The Salvation Army in northwest Cedar Rapids.

Her decision has been made in “the whole time” since she supported him in the last election, though this the 53-year-old’s first time caucusing. She was shocked by his 2020 loss, and turned out tonight to ensure he made it as the GOP nominee. Though the former president has dominated polls ahead of the caucuses, she wanted to ensure “every vote counts,” for her candidate of choice.

“He ran our country wonderfully. We’ve really gone downhill and he can bring us back up,” the Cedar Rapids resident said. “He’s proven it to us before.”

The transportation worker for Cedar Rapids Community School District said border control is a top issue for her, and has been disheartened to see migrants receive more attention in the news as veterans face difficulties with poverty and homelessness.

 

While volunteering at the Iowa Democratic Caucus at City High, 17-year-old Althea Downing-Sherer said that a show down between Trump and Biden was not what she wanted. Regardless she said she will support Biden. "Maybe we wouldn't have picked that that's the race we're gonna have but if that's what we've got, then that's what we got to deal with," Downing-Sherer said. 

Paul Hardin-Specht, 21, of Iowa City, Iowa caucused for Trump tonight. Securing the border is the primary issue in Hardin-Specht's books and he believes that Trump is the "most transparent candidate out of all these guys." 

Hardin-Specht believes that Trump's legal troubles are "bogus" and are simply an attempt to derail voters.

This is Hardin-Specht's first time caucusing.

Business owner Ashley Tims, attending the caucus as Precinct 20 The Salvation Army in northwest Cedar Rapids, is a former Biden campaign worker caucusing for Biden’s opponent in the last general election – former President Donald Trump.

“Of all the candidates, he is the most knowledgeable and experienced,” she said. “He does his own thing. I’m big on that.”

She decided on Trump about a year ago when the politics started to dominate news cycles again. She briefly considered entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, because he “can’t be bought,” similarly to how she feels about Trump.

Safety and security are her top issues as new business owners, especially around border security. They’re hopeful for more “certainty in the future,” under Trump.

At 31, this is the Cedar Rapids resident’s first time she’s caucused for Republicans. She attributes the change in mindset to her new occupation as a business owner. If not for that, she said she might still be on the Democratic side.

Around 200 people came out to caucus Monday night at Central City High School, where the republican caucus was held for the Jackson, Maine and Boulder-Buffalo precincts.

Donald Trump won the caucus in all three precincts.

The caucus proceedings were held in one large group for all three precincts, up until the voting, when everyone separated into their precinct to cast and count their votes.

Several people spoke before the caucus on behalf on Donald Trump and Ron Desantis — who took second place in all three precincts. No one spoke up in favor of the other available candidates.

Caucus-goers voting for Trump said they appreciated what he did during his last presidency, while those who voted against him said they were concerned about the way he conducts himself. Border control and the state of the economy were common concerns for those participating Monday.

“Gas was a lot cheaper under Trump,” Brian Jerome, 44, of Boulder Township, said. “My car insurance was about half what it is now.”

Dennis Beasley, 75, of Central City, came out to caucus at Central City High School Monday night for Trump. Beasley drives semi-trucks and is semi-retired. He said he's voted for Trump since 2016 and always goes out to caucus. 

"I didn't caucus last time because (Trump) didn't run," Beasley said. 

With "The Final Countdown" playing at his watch party in West Des Moines, @RonDeSantis campaign issues a statement on national media predicting Trump as the winner of the #IAcaucus. pic.twitter.com/IInwbCQc6E

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) January 16, 2024

At the Iowa Democratic caucus, Iowa City Community School District Board member Mitch Lingo said the Democrat mail in process should increase accessibility. "I think it should expand participation and it creates a more equitable scenario for participation, whether it is gender dynamics, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status," Lingo said.

While @AP and the networks call the #IACaucus for Trump, the battle for second continues. The scene at the moment at the @RonDeSantis watch party in West Des Moines. pic.twitter.com/AubevL7yNo

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) January 16, 2024

Margeret Brumm, a 73-year-old Democrat, said she supported Iowa no longer being the first state to vote in the Democrats presidential primary. "Logistically we really needed to do that. The Democrats seem to be concentrated in cities and we have difficulty finding large venues here," Brumm said.

About 200 or so braved the bitter cold in Cedar Rapids to caucus at the six precin ts at Kirkwood Community College. Most were stumping for Trump, Haley and DeSantis. In one precinct, voting went 19 out of 30 for Trump.

Each precinct is taking votes. Border, immigration seems to be the big issues. 

Daniel Barnett, 60, of Cedar Rapids, caucusing for second time, said he was going to vote for Trump or DeDantis. He liked things about both. 

"Trump did a great job in office," Barnett, who works in network security, said. "But I'm OK with DeSantis. Look what he did for Florida. It's really about Christian values for me. We need to change people's hearts. It's about Christian values for me." 

A Trump supporter, speaking to one precinct, says Trump knows what to do on day one. She was s a former Democrat but action needs to be taken at the border. Safety is an issue, she said. 

Many left after taking precinct votes and didn't stay to find out results. Only about 20 waited to hear overall results. 

The six precincts voted  101 for Trump, 34 for DeSantis, 27 for Haley and 22 Ramaswamy. 

 

It's still jarring hearing Phantom of the Opera songs on Trump pre-event playlists. Quite the departure from normal political event playlists. OTOH, I am a gigantic Phantom phan, so bring it on always. #pastthepointofnoreturn #iacaucus

— Erin Murphy (@ErinDMurphy) January 16, 2024

Trump clinches Iowa Republican caucus victory, AP reports

Donald Trump has won the 2024 Iowa Republican caucuses, according to a pair of national media organizations.

The Associated Press and CNN called the caucuses for Trump at roughly 7:30 p.m. Monday, just 30 minutes after Republicans began caucusing.

Trump’s win in Iowa comes over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, who went into Monday night’s first-in-the-nation caucuses jostling for second place in Iowa.

Kevin Sauer, 50, is a new resident of Solon. He and his wife moved to the area from Arizona, and this is their first time participating in the Iowa Caucuses. He's not sure who he will eventually support tonight, but he's leaning towards former President Donald Trump. 
"I'm stressed with our leadership," he said. Sauer didn't elaborate on what these stressors are. 

The AP reports that Trump has won the Iowa caucuses. The call was made at roughly 7:30 p.m., about half an hour after the caucuses began. 

Former president Donald Trump has won the caucuses in Marion's Precincts 4 and 6 in the Linn-Mar High School.

He received 37 votes in Precinct 4. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley received the next most votes with 28, followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who received 18 votes.

In Precinct 6, Trump received 34 votes. Again, Haley followed with 26 votes. DeSantis received 18.

Ron and Debbie Smith are caucusing for Donald Trump.  

“Everything I dislike about him is why I like him,” said Ron, 58, a remote contract worker. “He makes you feel uncomfortable, but he does the uncomfortable things that need to get done. Everyone else is all talk.”  

Debbie, 55, who has been a stay at home mother to 10 children, said they are caucusing for the first time because they believe strongly in Trump and “wanted to step in earlier” to the election process.  

Leading up to the 2016 presidential election, “Hollywood loved him, mainstream media loved him, but as soon as he became president, immediate vitriol, hatred, outright attacks. He’s public enemy number one, no doubt about it,” Ron said. “Somebody’s got to stand up for the guy. Why not us? He could have folded so long ago. He is not a weak politician who says one thing and does another.”

For first-time caucus-goer Toni Overton, finding an alternative to former President Donald Trump was a priority that drew her in through subzero temperatures.

Even through the struggles of finding her precinct and figuring out how to caucus for the first time, she’s glad she came out to support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. After learning toward supporting former South Carolina Gov. Niki Haley, the caregiver changed her mind last week after Haley made comments about how “Iowa votes,” before “New Hampshire fixes it.”

That “ruined it,” for her, Overton said.

She liked DeSantis because of his handling on issues in Florida, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Look who he stood up to,” she said.

While she thinks Trump did “an amazing job,” she is tired of “the whining and disrespectful talk.”

The Associated Press has already called Donald Trump as the winner of the Iowa Caucuses. The real drama, as predicted, will likely be about who finishes second, third, and fourth.
 

Former President Donald Trump has won Iowa’s leadoff presidential caucuses. His rivals are jostling for second place, hoping for a bump heading into New Hampshire. https://t.co/GRMTqFBjfe pic.twitter.com/PlHaBpGPUL

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 16, 2024

Katie Karamitros, 28, who retired from the military last month, is “pumped” to be caucusing for the first time.  

Karamitros moved back to Cedar Rapids after a decade on the East Coast to “reestablish my roots,” and said she “forgot how much attention (presidential) candidates pay to Iowa.”  

“People on the East Coast give Iowa a hard time. It’s fun to come back and see the candidates be enthusiastic about it,” Karamitros said.  

Karamitros is casting her vote for Vivek Ramaswamy, who she said is a “fresh face for my generation.”  

Karamitros also supports Donald Trump, but “I don’t know how he plans to run the country between court dates,” she said.  

Ramaswamy, on the other hand, has enthusiasm and drive, Karamitros said. “He knows he’s the underdog, but he’s really enthusiastic about staying on the trail,” she said.  

Karamitros said she likes Ramaswamy’s stance on voting. Ramaswamy’s proposal to change U.S. elections includes making Election Day a National Holiday, requiring employers to give employees time off work to vote in general elections and voting on paper ballots only.  

Karamitros also said she agrees with Ramaswamy’s attitude on “purging the military of woke indoctrination. “After spending eight and a half years in the military, I can vouch my personal opinion is that the military is too woke,” she said.  

Karamitros said she approves of Ramaswamy’s plan to reinstate military officials who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, which is no longer mandated. The Department of Defense continues to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members to maintain a high level of immunity.  

“I had a lot of close friends lose their career over the vaccine,” Karamitros said.  

 

Caucusgoers sing "God Bless America" after saying the Lord's Prayer at Palmer House Stable in Solon. The Gazette's Emily Hawk estimated there were over 100 people at the Big Grove precinct.

 

Steve Carroll, 66, of Marion's Precinct 4, is caucusing for former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at Linn-Mar High School because he said he's trying to get at least one good candidate to vote for in the presidential election. 

The most important issue to him is uniting the country.

“We’ve got it torn so far apart right now,” he said. “It’s not going to happen overnight. This didn’t happen overnight.”

At the West Des Moines Marriot, where Nikki Haley will speak later tonight, are West Des Moines Precincts 226 and 227. In attendance is first-time caucus-goer Brad Farnsworth, 44, of West Des Moines who is supporting Vivek Ramaswamy.

Farnsworth said he was drawn to Ramaswamy for his "America first" approach and liked Ramaswamy for his honesty after getting to meet him in person.

"I believe he's very genuine about how he feels, and I think that what he's doing is trying to do is actually make America better," Farnsworth said.

A speaker for former President Donald Trump asks the crowd at Linn-Mar High School for Marion Precincts 4 and 6: Were their lives better four years ago than they are today? Many caucus goers nodded in agreement.

 

Jim Bercz, 72, of Central City came out tonight to caucus for Ron Desantis at Central City High School. 

The last time Bercz came to a caucus was in 2012, to caucus for Republican Mitt Romney. He came to caucus tonight because he was impressed by the way Desantis has spoken during his campaign. 

"I like what he's done in Florida," Bercz said. "Anybody can do better than Biden."

Sasha Murphy, 31, of Oxford, Iowa, made the four block trek to Clear Creek Elementary from her house to caucus for Ron DeSantis. Murphy said she was initially excited when DeSantis announced his run for president but grew to be unimpressed by his campaign. However, she said she would not vote for Trump under any circumstances and will see where things go leading up to the general election when making her final voting decision.

Iowa City Dems brave the freezing weather tonight to participate in the Iowa Democratic caucus. Over 50 Iowa Democrats are at City High!

Ted Stacey, 77, a retired veteran, is caucusing for Donald Trump. “I don’t think he got a chance to finish what he had to do. He started to protect the border, and he didn’t get a chance to finish that… He made some good appointments like Betsy DeVos.”  

DeVos was the U.S. Secretary of Education from 2017 to 2021.  

The mountains of snow and a -24 degree wind chill wasn’t going to stop Stacey – who spent more than a decade living in the south -- from caucusing. “If a Georgia boy can come out here in this kind of weather anyone can,” he said with a laugh.  

Stacey, who also caucused for Trump in 2020, said voting is a way to “take ownership of our government.”  

“We try to steer it in the right direction,” he said. “Right now, I don’t think the country is going in the right direction at all.”  

Andy Bolton, 43, of Central City, came to caucus tonight in Central City for Donald Trump. 

Bolton said he likes Trump's policies regarding the Mexican-American border, and the economy. 

"He really wanted the people to succeed in this country," Bolton said.

It's well after 7 p.m. at the Palmer House Stable in Solon, and there are still more than a dozen waiting in line to register. Every seat in the house is taken, and standing room continues to dwindle. Terry Carlson, 64, of Solon, is caucusing for Nikki Haley. As a mental health counselor, experience is important to Carlson. Haley's prior experience in politics as U.S Ambassador to the United Nations and former governor of South Carolina instills trust in her ability to run the country. 
"I think for me right now, finances are (my biggest election issue. I think her background in financial accounting and things like that, she just has a really good grasp on our finances," she said. 
 

The next speaker at Linn-Mar High School's Precincts 4 and 6 is from Florida, campaigning for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. She said her husband is the commissioner of education in Florida.

Her family is from Cuba, she said: "I know what freedom means to us."

She praised DeSantis' leadership in Florida, especially in education, and asked the caucus goers to vote for him: "If you guys are on the fence, the governor will fulfill his promises."

Richard Reysack, 68, of Cedar Rapids, is caucusing for Nikki Haley at Kirkwood Community College. He likes her because she has a plan for "where we are going." Most important issue for him is the border. Reysack wants what's best for the country, not one party. He has supported Democrats and Republicans over the years. 

 

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson is the first speaker of the night at Linn-Mar High School's Precincts 4 and 6: "Are we fired up to fire Joe Biden tonight?"

She condemned President Biden's policies, especially his policies on national security, and thanked the crowd for sending her to Washington D.C. to advocate for Republican ideals.

David and Shonna Smith are caucusing for the first time. Born and raised Iowans, the couple moved back home last year from Kentucky.  

David, 72, a traveling pastor, said he is caucusing for Ron DeSantis because it is a “God-given right” and a “priviledge under the constitution.”  

David, a father and grandfather, said he believes “very, very strongly in family,” a value he sees in DeSantis, who is often with his own wife and family.  

David also appreciates DeSantis because he is a “gentleman” and “seemingly honest.” 

Kathleen Sapp, 70, of Central City, is at Central City High School tonight to caucus for Donald Trump. 

Like many caucus-goers tonight in Central City, she said she's particularly concerned about border control the economy, and she believes Trump is the best bet for those issues. 

She said she came out tonight with her husband because "we just both decided that we want to make sure the right person gets in."

The Gazette's Emily Hawk reported that the line to caucus at Palmer House Stable in Solon, Iowa was to the door on Monday, January 15, 2024 during the Iowa caucuses. Frigid temperatures kept the line inside the precinct and not out the door.

The temporary chair for Marion's Precinct 6 has not arrived to Linn-Mar High School's Little Theater. A caucus goer volunteered. The rest of the crowd just approved her as permanent chair. The caucus continues.

Hurley Bassett, 73, of Cedar Rapids, is supporting Trump because of his policies on the border and immigration. He trusts Trump. His personality could be "toned down" but feels the former president is the best person for the job. At Kirkwood Community College.

Michael Franck, 63, of Central City turned up to caucus tonight at Central City High School in favor of Donald Trump. Franck has been a Republican his whole life and has voted for Trump in the past, but this is his first year caucusing. 

Franck said he got a notification in the mail this year and decided to come participate. 

"Just as long as we can get (Trump) in there and get rid of them Democrats," Franck said. "He's worked for us before and he'll do it again."

I’m here at City High covering the Iowa Democratic caucus tonight! The party is electing committee members, electing in pledged delegates, and discussing the platform. 

The caucus is called to order for Marion's Precincts 4 and 6 at Linn-Mar High School. After the pledge of allegiance, a volunteer from the audience led a prayer, mentioning how he hoped the weather didn't affect turnout tonight. Now, the caucus begins.

Matt Curry, 26, of Cedar Rapids, is supporting Ramaswamy. He's at Kirkwood Community College. He made his choice a few months ago. He likes Ramaswamy's immigration policy and zero-based budgeting.

This is Curry's first time caucusing. He feels it's his duty to participate.

 

Caucusing at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Sarah Bran, 26, is casting her vote for Ron DeSantis. 

Bran, a graphic designer at New Covenant Bible Church, said DeSantis' policies align most closely with her "Biblical values." She especially favors his pro-life stance  

Although Bran said she feels like Donald Trump is more likely to win the Republican nomination, she still braved subzero temperatures to show her support for DeSantis.

"We were given an opportunity as part of our civic duty," Bran said  "What right do I have to complain about the delegate if I'm not using my voice for who I think would be a good candidate?"

 

Scott Pinter, 58, of Cedar Rapids, self-employed, is supporting Trump at Kirkwood Community College precinct. "He did a great job the first time." Most important issues are the economy and immigration.

 

 

 

Marion's Precincts 4 and 6 are gathered in the Linn-Mar High School's Little Theater. With just a few minutes to go until the caucus begins, voters were asked to line up if they wanted to speak up front about a candidate. People are talking amongst themselves now.

Randi Larson, 62, works in medical billing, and Ray Larson, 63, construction business. Both live in Cedar Rapids and are caucusing for Trump at Kirkwood Community College precinct. They've always supported Trump.

Randi said Trump always kept his word. She appreciates his honesty.

Important issues for Ray are the economy and immigration.

They caucus every time. 

 

 

 

Mary Ernzen, 60, of Marion, didn't hesitate when asked who she was voting for tonight at Linn-Mar High School: "Trump. He's the only one who can prevent World War III."

Under former president Donald Trump's presidency, her groceries cost less. Now, she estimates she can purchase only one-eighth of the food for the same price -- a burden for someone who lives alone like her. Gas is more expensive for her when she travels to her job as an engineering assistant.

She hopes her vote tonight in Marion's Precinct 6 could help.

All three precincts at Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City are beginning to fill up as voters brave the cold to support their candidates.

Iowa student Sienna Pothitakin shared her reason for coming out despite the weather.

“The only thing I'm missing right now is The Emmy’s, so I really didn't have anything better to do,” Pothitakin said.

Ron Meyer, 73, of Solon, also braved the below freezing weather to caucus for former President Donald Trump at Palmer House Stable in Solon. Meyer's support for Trump hasn't wavered since he ran for President in 2016. 
"I'm retired law enforcement and retired Army, and I think his rules of law are the biggest thing for me. He's very strong on that and wants to take care of (law enforcement)," he said. 
 

Here's the itinerary for Iowa City Precinct 17 Democratic caucus tonight at Iowa City High. Only about 30 people here so far, and that's for eight precincts. 

Around 6 p.m., people were already filing into the Linn-Mar High School for the 7 p.m. Republican caucus. Several precincts converge here to cast their votes for their preferred nominee. The frigid temperatures -- minus 3 and getting colder -- don't seem to be a deterrent for Iowans tonight, who don their winter coats as they wait for the caucus to begin.

Here's a closer look at area temperatures on caucus day since 1972.

I'm here at precinct 6 at Southeast Junior High in Iowa City as caucus-goers begin to slowly trickle in. Many individuals have begun gathering in groups and making conversation.

Iowa Democrats are holding in-person caucuses tonight, but there won't be an opportunity to "vote" for a candidate at the events. So you won't hear the words "viable" or "realignment" and there won't be any math involved, the Johnson County Democrats promise.  Instead, the Democratic caucuses will involve just party business – electing central committee members, choosing unpledged delegates and discussing the platform.

At Iowa City High, eight precincts will meet in the lower cafeteria. Volunteers will sign in voters. 

"We will meet in a large group for preliminary activities, then break into precincts to conduct business," the JoCo Democrats said online. Each precinct will elect a chair to run the meeting and a secretary to take notes on the proceeding. 

Iowa Democrats may cast their presidential preference online or by downloading a printable form to complete and return by email or mail. The last day to request a preference card is Feb. 19. On March 5, Super Tuesday, the Iowa Democrats will release results of the presidential vote. 

The ice, snow and frigid temperatures don't seem to be a deterrent tonight for caucus goers in the Big Grove District as they continue to trickle into the Palmer House Stable in Solon. Marlene Campbell, 70, of Solon, keeps warm with a red, white and blue pom hat with "Trump" written across the front. She's here to caucus for former President Donald Trump a third time and believes he is "the toughest guy for the job," particularly when it comes to national security and the US/Mexico border. 
"We need four more years of Trump so he can strraighten things back out. I think a businessman  does a better job than a politician. He knows how to run a country as far as business. He's proven himself," she said. 

I’m at Iowa Republican caucus precincts three, five and 12 in the University of Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City. It’s a slow start, but voters are beginning to trickle in. University of Iowa College Republican student organization members Jasmyn Jordan and Kyle Clare sit outside the main ballroom as caucusgoers enter. 

Eastern Iowans not discouraged so far by record caucus day cold

A late-emerging candidate — blizzard conditions — upended 2024 GOP presidential hopefuls’ final weekend of campaigning in Iowa and is expected to drive down caucus turnout. Those at campaign events Monday largely said the record-setting cold weather wouldn’t dissuade them from caucusing.

 

Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minnesota, held a press conference in Des Moines ahead of the Iowa caucuses to counter Republican talking points and highlight the accomplishments of President Joe Biden’s administration.

Pritzker, acting as a surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign, said there is not difference between Trump, DeSantis or Haley, saying the top three Republican presidential candidates looking to challenge Biden are all the same, just in different packaging.

“Tonight's contest is simply a question of whether you like your MAGA Trump agenda wrapped in the original packaging or with high heels or lifts in their boots,” Pritzker told reporters.

“The anti-freedom, anti-democracy ideas that Donald Trump’s party stands for are the same whether it’s him or his mini-me’s spewing it,” Pritzker said.

He claimed no other modern president has run for re-election on a stronger jobs creation record than Biden, and that “While Trump spent his time in office golfing, Biden is rebuilding our roads and bridges and airports; bringing manufacturing jobs back to this country.”

“And while Trump is promising to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Biden capped insulin pries at $35 and forced pharmaceutical companies to lower the cost of prescription drugs,” Pritzker said, and passed the first major guns safety legislation in decades, “while Trump brags about overturning” reproductive rights of women.

Smith blasted the GOP presidential primary field for their stance on abortion bans.

“These extreme Republican candidates want a national ban on abortion,” she said. “… All of these candidates for president celebrated the overturning of Roe,” creating “chaos” in GOP-led states that have passed restrictive abortion bans that have forced women “to leave their homes to get the health care they need.”

Pritzker downplayed Biden's poor polling ahead of a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump in the 2024 race. A new ABC News/Ipsos survey found Biden's approval rating sitting at a meager 33 percent, with the public reporting widespread economic discontent.

“It’s Joe Biden that’s delivered for the American public,” he said. “It’s Joe Biden that’s got an awful lot to brag about. And the dangers that are posed by this Republican field will be well-known to people once one of them is chosen” as the Republican nominee.

Asked whether Biden is anticipating a rematch with Trump, Pritzker said the Biden-Harris campaign “is ready, willing and able to take on any of those MAGA Republican candidates and beat them.”

Pritzker on whether Biden is anticipating a rematch with Donald Trump: “So all I can say is that this campaign is ready, willing and able to take on any of those MAGA Republican candidates and beat them.” pic.twitter.com/a0ob90Un0t

— Tom Barton (@tjbarton83) January 15, 2024

Stay tuned for live coverage of the Iowa Caucus 2024 on Monday, January 15 starting at 6pm. The Gazette's reporters will be in the field capturing news as it happens.