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The results are in and Iowa, widely regarded for its independent thinking, has delivered a loud and profound message in its caucuses on Monday, the first major electoral event of the nominating process in the 2016 presidential election.
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz bucked the odds by scoring a narrow upset win over real estate magnate and Bedford estate owner Donald Trump on the Republican side. Democratic frontrunner, Chappaqua's Hillary Clinton, the former first lady and secretary of state, holds a slight lead over challenger Bernie Sanders with less than half of a percentage point separating them with one precinct yet to report as of early Tuesday,
Cruz, a strong frontrunner in Iowa up until about a month ago, defeated Trump 28 percent to 24 percent with Florida Sen. Marco Rubio finishing a close third at 23 percent.
In a photo finish, Clinton narrowly edged Sanders 49.8 percent to 49.6 percent, making for the closest Iowa Democratic caucus ever.
Trump's much-publicized decision to skip the Iowa debate last week following a back-and-forth tussle with Fox News may have proved to have cost him support.
"Tonight, Iowa has proclaimed to the world, morning is coming," Cruz told supporters late Monday night.
Cruz cited his 800,000 contributors who made an average donation of $67 to his campaign.
"That is the power of the grassroots," said Cruz, also noting his 12,000 volunteers in Iowa. "We are inspired by each and every one of you."
"Tonight is a victory for courageous conservatives across Iowa and all across this great nation," Cruz told supporters Monday night. "Iowa has sent notice that the Republican nominee and the next president of the United States will not be chosen by the media; will not be chosen by the Washington establishment; will not be chosen by the lobbyists."
In a scenario few could have envisioned entering the caucuses, Rubio came away with the same number of delegates as Trump.
In her address to supporters, Clinton indicated she was prepared for a long struggle.
"I am excited about really getting into the debate with Sen. Sanders about the best way forward to fight for us and America," she said.
With negligible support, former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley suspended his Democratic campaign Monday night and Republican candidate Ben Carson seemed to be on the brink of doing the same thing, with a CNN report he will be returning to his home in Florida following the Iowa vote rather than campaigning in New Hampshire.
“On June 16, when I started this journey, there were 17 candidates. I was told by everybody, ‘Do not go to Iowa. You could never finish even in the top 10,’ ” said Trump, who owns golf clubs in Briarcliff Manor and Hopewell Junction. “We finished second.
"We love you Iowa," the billionaire added. "I think we may come back here and buy a farm."
Next up is the New Hampshire primary on Tuesday, Feb. 9, where polls show Sanders handily leading Clinton and Trump far ahead of Cruz, followed by Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
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