Donald Trump emerged as the Republican favorite for November’s presidential elections USA by winning the primaries in the state of Iowa this Monday, the American press announced just half an hour after the start of the elections.

According to cnnthe 77-year-old tycoon, who faces four criminal charges, is far ahead of his main rivals, Nikki Haley And Ron DeSantisbut at this time it is unknown for how much.

Although snow that fell in Iowa, in the country’s midwest, raised fears of low turnout, the former president has moved slightly closer to the Republican nomination for a likely new showdown with the Democrat. Joe Biden.

Donald Trump, for whom polls predict one of the largest ever advantages over his rivals (almost 50% of voting intentions), had predicted a “great” evening for his followers.

Iowa carries a lot of weight in the campaign because if Trump doesn’t get the victory he expected, his image as the undisputed favorite for the rest of the race could be tarnished.

At 7 p.m. (01:00 GMT Tuesday), voters began gathering at schools, libraries and fire stations across this midwestern state for the famous “conflict mediationor election meetings.

After a prayer and the traditional pledge of allegiance to the American flag, the candidates’ representatives gave a speech and then the participants wrote their choice on a piece of paper.

“I’m here for Trumpsaid Kevin Yearington, a local election official. “It used to be better,” he added, complaining about the Biden administration. “I’m tired of paying more for food and gas. Inflation has gotten out of hand here.”.

It is the first time since the 2020 election that Trump has faced the verdict of voters.

Second place

The question is who will take second place. Will any of Trump’s rivals manage to reduce some of his huge lead and position themselves well for the future?

Five candidates are vying for his way to the White House, but only two seem to have a chance.

One of those is former ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, the only woman in the race and highly regarded in business circles.

The other is DeSantis, a conservative with very hardline positions on immigration and abortion, who has bet everything on Iowa.

“I’m asking you to come out, brave the cold and support me during the Iowa caucuses“DeSantis told his supporters Monday morning.

And uncertainty has been increasing lately due to snowfall in Iowa, with temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius.

Iowa shows the way

Starting next week, the primary calendar will take the candidates, including biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to New Hampshire. In the other states they will continue until June.

The Republican presidential candidate will be officially nominated during the national convention in July.

Donald Trump wants to eliminate the competition before his trials begin, some of which could expose him to prison sentences.

The Republican will have an unusual year in every respect, with comings and goings in the courts.

Meanwhile, Democrats are also holding primaries, but without much mystery.

Barring a last-minute surprise, octogenarian President Joe Biden, who already has strong support from his party, will be named Democratic nominee in August despite criticism of his old age. (JO)