Iowa

Why is the Iowa caucus so important? What to know about today’s high-stakes vote

Published

1 year ago

January 15, 2024

Why is the Iowa caucus so important? What to know about today’s high-stakes vote

Republicans are in a fierce competition as they’ve crisscrossed all Iowa’s 99 counties ahead of Monday’s caucuses. Despite extensive efforts by several prominent Republicans to court Iowans, it appears they’ve fallen short as the state’s caucuses approach, with former President Donald Trump maintaining a substantial lead over his rivals in the polls.

But as the first state to hold any nominating contests, Iowa acts as a litmus test for candidates vying for their party’s nomination. And despite Trump’s lead, Iowans have found themselves inundated with GOP candidates fervently pleading their cases.

When are the Iowa caucuses?

The Republican Party will hold its caucuses on Monday, Jan. 15. Iowa Democrats are holding a caucus on the same day, but are opting for voters to choose their candidate entirely by mail-in ballot this election cycle and will release the results on Super Tuesday on March 5.

Following the chaotic events of Democratic 2020 caucuses, Iowa Democrats had overhauled their caucus and presidential delegate selection process to ensure an indisputable winner.

Iowa Prepares For State's Caucuses, As Large Snowstorms Hit The State — Plow trucks clear Grand Avenue as high winds and snow from winter storm Gerri four days before the Iowa caucuses on January 12, 2024 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

President Biden and his team will instead prioritize South Carolina as the initial state in the lineup, succeeded by New Hampshire and Nevada a week later, with Michigan following. Originally, the plan included Georgia holding a primary just before Michigan, but Democratic efforts to advance their date faced resistance from Republicans in the state.

But New Hampshire has opted to maintain its first-in-nation primary status and will hold its primary on Jan. 23, and Mr. Biden will not be on the ballot. His team has led a write-in campaign in the state.

What is the difference between a caucus and a primary?

A caucus involves a more complex process where participants gather openly, engaging in discussions and voting to express their support for a particular candidate. Unlike primaries, caucuses require voters to physically attend specific meetings, which demands a higher level of commitment — meaning there is lower voter turnout. The process of assigning delegates in caucuses may differ, adding greater flexibility to the overall method.

Conversely, in a primary election, voters participate by casting their ballots in private to choose their preferred candidate. This process is akin to a general election, allowing voters to select their candidate in a more straightforward manner. Primary elections generally witness higher voter participation due to their accessibility, with voters able to cast their ballots throughout the day. Delegates in primaries are typically allocated proportionally, reflecting the percentage of votes each candidate receives.

Primaries offer a simpler and more accessible voting process, resulting in higher voter participation, while caucuses involve a more involved and participatory approach, requiring voters to actively engage in discussions. The decision hinges on the rules and preferences set by the state party.

Why do presidential candidates care so much about the Iowa caucus?

Historically, presidential candidates have looked to the Iowa caucus to help launch themselves to nominee status.

But the Iowa caucus hasn’t always gone on to be the best predictor of who will be the party’s nominee, even less so at predicting who will win the presidency. The state is largely White and conservative and not entirely representative of the U.S. population.

Iowa Republicans selected Mike Huckabee in 2008, Rick Santorum in 2012 and Ted Cruz in 2016 — none of whom went on to clinch the nomination.

Some candidates who faced defeat in Iowa went on to secure victory, including Ronald Reagan in 1980, George H.W. Bush in 1988, and Trump in 2016.

Since its inception in 1972, only three presidential candidates who triumphed in the Iowa caucuses have ascended to the presidency: Democrats Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Barack Obama in 2008, and Republican George W. Bush in 2000.

Still, the caucus’ outcome frequently provides an outsized advantage to winners and those who exceed expectations, often narrowing down the field by prompting underperforming candidates to exit the race.

What can the Iowa caucus results tell us about 2024?

Kyle Kondik, an elections analyst and managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, posits that Iowa serves as a more accurate snapshot of the current Republican Party. This is due to the demographic makeup, specifically the inclusion of religious and blue-collar voters.

In contrast, Kondik noted that the results of the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 23 may offer less insight into the overall success of the Republican party. This is because there’s a larger share of moderate and independent voters in the state.

So even if Trump loses New Hampshire, “I don’t think it’s necessarily some sort of huge problem for him,” Kondik said.

Now, he said, if former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley were to win New Hampshire and then South Carolina a month later, “that’s where this thing maybe gets interesting,” given that both states have electorates that more closely mirror the rest of the U.S.

But if Trump were to win both Iowa and New Hampshire, it’s unlikely any of the other candidates could continue on, he said.

What are Iowans saying?

As Iowans brave the snowstorms leading up to the caucuses, many are ready to navigate the weather and cast their votes on Monday.

“I appreciate, people should appreciate when they live in Iowa, that we have so much exposure to the candidates firsthand, you really do get to be right there and ask them questions and get to see the person you know, even behind the scenes, not just in front of the camera. So I hope people pay attention and go out and caucus. It’s extremely important. You get to vote, you know, with a paper ballot right in the room, it gets counted right in front of you. And you just know the answer of who came out ahead and whatnot right there that night,” said Laurie Stiles from Johnston, Iowa.

For some who have never caucused before, they’re looking forward to hearing from other voters.

“I’ve never caucused before. But this time, I really want to hear what other people have to say, what they’re thinking,” said Ken Geoghegan, an undecided voter in Iowa.

Even though the Iowa caucus may not serve as a crystal ball for the entire presidential election year, Iowans still perceive themselves as key players in the process, contributing to the narrowing down of the candidate field.

“We’re still faith, family and friends first, right? And I think we do a very good job of leading the nation,” said Eric Vaske, a voter from Manchester, Iowa.

Taurean Smalls, Aaron Navarro and Olivia Rinaldi contributed.

Allison Novelo

Allison Novelo is a 2024 campaign reporter for CBS News.

Source link

Iowa

Pride events span across Iowa for 2025. Find ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ Iowans near you.

Published

13 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Press Room

Pride events span across Iowa for 2025. Find ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ Iowans near you.

Who’s ready to celebrate? June marks Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Iowans across the state will be celebrating their community’s history and culture with plenty of parades and events throughout the month.

Here’s where to find LGBTQ+ community events across Iowa in June.

(Events are organized in chronological order)

SUX Pride

Sioux City is celebrating Pride the first weekend of June, with a diversity march, main stage acts, vendor booths, food trucks, story times and more. Saturday night, all events are 21+.

When: 7 p.m. on June 5, 5 p.m. on June 6 and 11 a.m. on June 7

Where: Virginia and Fourth Street, Sioux City on June 5 and 6, Sioux City Convention Center on June 7

Quad Cities Pride Festival

The Quad Cities are bringing a weekend packed with entertainment. From a Pride Choir and dance party, to DJs and drag queens, or vendors and activities, they’ll have it all. Passes start at $10 for daily admission.

When: 4 p.m. on June 6, 12 p.m. on June 7

Where: Schwiebert Riverfront Park, Rock Island, Illinois

Capital City PrideFest

Capital City Pride is celebrating it 46th PrideFest in Des Moines. The three-day event is hosted in the heart of the Historic East Village and will feature local drag queens, DJ performances, full festival activities like games and vendors and much more.

When: 5 p.m. on June 6, 9 a.m. on June 7, 10 a.m. on June 8

Where: East Village of Des Moines

Dubuque Pride Festival

Dubuque is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with performances, local vendors, food trucks and plenty of family-friendly fun at their festival. The event is free, and welcomes all ages.

When: 12-5 p.m. on June 7

Where: Town Clock Plaza, downtown Dubuque

Annual Ottumwa Pride Block Party

Celebrating its fifth year, the Ottomwa Pride Block Party is switching things up for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Soak in the pool and positive energy and celebrate love and inclusivity.

When: 4-10 p.m. on June 7
Where: The Beach Ottumwa

Bi-State Unity Pride Parade

The annual Quad City Unity Pride Parade is back. The parade links Iowa and Illinois by crossing the Mississippi River using the Centennial Bridge.

When: 11 a.m., June 14
Where: Starts at Chill Ice Cream & Eats (421 River Drive, Davenport)

Let Love Fly

Kites will soar over North Liberty in honor of Pride. There will also be activities and giveaways from community groups. All ages are welcome.

When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on June 14
Where: Centennial Park, North Liberty

Des Moines People’s Pride

A community-based and centered event, Des Moines People’s Pride is back for its third year and will consist of local vendors, artists and performers. “The purpose of DSM People’s Pride is to be a safe, inclusive event for all people in our community, which means maintaining a cop-free space and requiring masking,” according to its website.

When: Noon – 4 p.m., June 14
Where: Water Works Park (2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines)

Burlington Pride in the Park

With more than 60 vendors, Burlington Pride in the Park is back and bigger than ever. There’s entertainment scheduled, a parade and pet parade and of course plenty of drag shows.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on June 21
Where: Crapo Park

Iowa City Pride and Parade

Iowa City’s Annual Pride Festival is back to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Join for vendors, activities, drag shows, a parade and more.

When: Noon-10 p.m. on June 21
Where: Downtown Iowa City

Oskaloosa Pride in the Alley

Oskaloosa is hosting Pride in the Alley. Join for a photo booth, puppets, vendors and more.

When: 1-6 p.m. on June 21
Where: 109 South Market Street, Oskaloosa

Ankeny Pride

Ankeny is celebrating its fourth annual pride at the end of the month with a talent show, rainbow run, pet parade and plenty of vendors. Find out more at ankenypride.org.

When: 4-9 p.m., June 21
Where: Southview Middle School (1020 Southwest Cherry Street, Ankeny)

Burlington Pride on the Riverfront

Burlington is also hosting a day full of community and support at the end of June. There will be mindfulness yoga, a parade, main stage entertainment and more.

When: 8 a.m. on June 28, 9 a.m. on June 29
Where: Burlington’s Great River Bridge riverfront

Valley Junction Pride

Valley Junction is hosting its second-ever Pride celebration this year, which will include a pet parade by Bone-A-Patreat, drag story time, a maker’s market, entertainment and plenty more.

When: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 29
Where: 137 Fifth Street, West Des Moines

Know of an event we missed? Email iowaconnect@gannett.com for consideration.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

Source link

Iowa

Waukee Northwest, Cedar Rapids Xavier claim Iowa high school boys tennis team state titles

Published

1 day ago

June 4, 2025

Press Room

Waukee Northwest, Cedar Rapids Xavier claim Iowa high school boys tennis team state titles

The Iowa high school boys tennis season wrapped up with the crowning of two team state champions.

Waukee Northwest claimed its second-straight Class 2A title while Cedar Rapids Xavier kept its stellar spring rolling with a Class 1A team championship.

The Wolves were right at home in Class 2A, with the tournament taking place quite literally on the program’s home courts at Waukee Northwest. They made quick work of Dowling Catholic in the first round, claiming a 5-0 win. In the semifinals, Northwest took down Iowa City West by the same score. That set up a state title matchup against Cedar Rapids Prairie, which took down Linn-Mar and Pleasant Valley en route to the title match.

In the state finals, Northwest finished off the tournament, winning 5-1 to win another state crown.

Over in Iowa City, where the Class 1A tournament was taking place, Xavier continued its dominance. The Saints took down Boone, 5-0, in the quarterfinals and then cruised past Decorah, 5-0, to reach the title match. There, Xavier faced its toughest challenge, a battle with Dubuque Whalert.

The Saints put the finishing touches on a special boys season by claiming a 5-3 win. Xavier also won the boys singles and doubles titles on May 28. The win on June 4 marks the fifth team state championship in the last six tries for the Saints. Xavier also won titles in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The IHSAA did not hold a tournament in 2020.

Source link

Iowa

Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand hears water shortage concerns in western Iowa roundtable

Published

2 days ago

June 4, 2025

Press Room

Gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand hears water shortage concerns in western Iowa roundtable

EXIRA, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Some western Iowa towns are under boil water advisories. Residents haven’t been able to drink straight from the tap for about two weeks now. Democratic candidate for Governor Rob Sand stopped in to talk to residents of one town.

Tuesday morning, residents in Exira got notice that it’s okay to drink water from the tap again, ending weeks of having to boil water. The Regional Water Rural Water Association says the root of the issue is loss of pressure from high demand.

City Clerk Meg Anderson says they’re exploring alternative water supplies, but they’re beholden to a contract with the utility.

“We hope that we can constructively work together and negotiate something moving forward, but if we can’t, we will pursue those legal options if we need to,” she said.

She says people in town have been resilient, but the outages have had an impact.

“We had restaurants who had to amend their hours or change their menus because they couldn’t use their ice or soda fountains or accrue additional costs. Or businesses who may have had loss of revenue because, you know, they can’t shampoo every customer who comes in the door to get a haircut,” she said.

Rob Sand, Democratic candidate for Governor, stopped in to talk to residents Tuesday.

“State government needs to do more to pay attention to issues like this that maybe don’t affect people that state government this necessarily are important but they should be listening to them because they affect Iowans,” he said.

Sand says there’s likely no silver bullet to solve the town’s water issues and he didn’t offer any solutions of his own, but says lawmakers should’ve worked together this session to address it.

“Hey, we have people over here in this region that don’t have water right now. Here are the statutes that are standing in their way and here are the exceptions we’re going to build into them for situations like this, right. Did that happen? No,” he said.

Mayor Mike Huegerich says demand for water goes up in the summer months, and he’s concerned boil water advisories could come back.

“We’re not out of the woods by no means for this, I mean. They keep saying we need the rain, well it’s raining today, but we need a lot of rain to make up the difference,” he said.

A new connection with a water source in Council Bluffs should relieve their issues but town leaders are skeptical it’s a permanent fix.

Residents in Exira, Earling, and Brayton no longer have to boil their water but people who live in Panama, and Portsmouth still do.

—

Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV on X/Twitter @ConnerReports, and on TikTok @ConnerReports.

Source link