Hillary Clinton Announced as Winner of Iowa Democratic Caucuses
It took a little longer than expected, but the Iowa Democratic Party has officially named a winner in Monday night's caucuses: Hillary Clinton. The former Secretary of State edged out Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, by a final tally of 49.8 percent to 49.6. It was the narrowest margin of victory the quadrennial contest has ever seen.
“The results tonight are the closest in Iowa Democratic caucus history," read a statement released by the Iowa Democratic Party Chair Dr. Andy McGuire. "Hillary Clinton has been awarded 700.59 state delegate equivalents, Bernie Sanders has been awarded 696.82 state delegate equivalents."
Late into Monday night and early Tuesday morning, it was unclear which candidate would come out on top. It took till Tuesday afternoon for the final, official numbers to be released -- and even those may be contested, according to the Sanders campaign, which is considering possible action.
Both campaigns have now arrived in New Hampshire, which holds its primary next week. Sanders holds a large lead in recent polling, which will be difficult for Clinton to overcome, though things look more in her favor in South Carolina, which comes next. The two candidates will face off in a town-hall debate Wednesday night at the University of New Hampshire in Durham.