In the United States, the succeeding President is not elected until November, but the election process begins in January. Political parties hold primary elections or caucus’ in each state in order to nominate their candidate. This year, the process began on January 15th in Iowa.

Throughout history, Iowa is known for being the first to hold their GOP caucus. This year, they experienced record-breaking low temperatures. There was a high of -3 degrees and a low of -13 degrees, the lowest temperatures of an Iowa caucus in over 20 years.

Despite the cold, voters showed up, and Donald Trump won the GOP caucus. He gained 20 delegates, far more than runner up Ron DeSantis who gained nine. Unfortunately, DeSantis dropped out of the race after this perceived loss. 

Nikki Haley only gained eight delegates, but a week later at the New Hampshire primary, she gained nine (as opposed to Trump’s 12). Trump walked away with 54 percent, while Haley appears to be slowly closing the gap by earning 43 percent of the votes.

The Democrats plan to hold their Iowa caucus in early March, but so far, at their New Hampshire primary, Joe Biden is winning. The Associated Press has called the race for the incumbent with 64 percent of the votes. Behind him is Dean Phillips and then Marianne Williamson. 

Other notable candidates include Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cornel West, and Jill Stein, who are running as part of independent third-parties. 

While primaries and caucuses do not directly elect our succeeding president, it is still necessary to follow them. They determine each party’s presidential nomination, and those contenders are the individuals we vote for in November. 

For students who are 18, the last day to register to vote for the Texas primary is February 5, 2024.