That didn't take long — the Iowa Caucuses formally began at 8:00 pm Eastern time, and by 8:30 pm, the race was being called for former President Donald Trump. 

Donald Trump won the Iowa caucuses Monday, a crucial victory at the outset of the Republican primary that reinforces the former president’s bond with his party’s voters even as he faces extraordinary legal challenges that could complicate his bid to return to the White House.

The magnitude of Trump’s success is still coming into focus, but the former president’s supporters endured a historic and life-threatening cold snap to participate in caucus meetings that unfolded in schools, churches and community centers across the state.

Trump winning Iowa isn't a shock — he's been solidly leading in the polls, and he has been and remains popular in the Hawkeye State. 

The big questions that remain: Will Trump win with over 50 percent of the vote? And who will come in second? (And, will that matter?) 

One other question to contemplate: Will Trump's win in Iowa break the recent trend of Iowa winners not gaining the nomination in competitive races? 

RedState will continue to bring coverage of the race as the results come in, but one answer is clear: Trump's the victor coming out of the caucuses. 

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