Iowa Caucuses In: Clinton, Cruz Winners

Democratic results were the closest in the party’s state caucus history.

February 02, 2016

IOWA – Yesterday voters officially kicked off the 2016 presidential election, casting votes in the Iowa caucuses. The winners were Democratic candidate Secretary Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Senator Ted Cruz.

The Democratic race was the closest in the party’s Iowa caucus history, and results were not confirmed until early this morning. Clinton received 49.9% of the vote and Senator Bernie Sanders received 49.5%. Early reports said Sanders may contest the results and some called it a virtual tie. Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley received only 0.6%.

The Republican field may be narrowing after last night’s results. Three candidates emerged as the clear front-runners. Cruz won the night with 27.7%, Donald Trump came in second at 24.3%, and Senator Marco Rubio was a close third at 23.1%.

The other candidates received the following: Ben Carson (9.3%), Senator Rand Paul (4.5%), Governor Jeb Bush (2.8%), Carly Fiorina (1.9%), Governor John Kasich (1.9%), Governor Mike Huckabee (1.8%), Governor Chris Christie (1.8%), Senator Rick Santorum (1%). 

Every four years, all eyes turn to the Hawkeye State. Iowa is the first state in the nation to have a say in who will be the next president. If a candidate has a strong showing in Iowa, it is often an indicator of how they will compete in other early states; and if a candidate has a weak showing, they may decide it is time to re-evaluate their campaign and even drop out of the race.

Last night, two candidates announced they were ending their campaigns: O’Malley and Huckabee.

Candidates will now head to New Hampshire to campaign ahead of the primary on Tuesday, February 9.

This year NACS is hosting its first series of Presidential In Store events where candidates from both parties are invited to step into a convenience store along the campaign trail.

These events give candidates an opportunity to interact with employees, customers and retailers to learn more about the c-store industry and the vital role it plays in communities.

Last month in Iowa, NACS hosted Cruz at a Casey’s in Manly and Fiorina at Kum & Go in Colfax. Stay tuned for more In Store stops in the early states.

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