Iowa caucus

Since 1976, the Iowa caucus has been the first indication of which candidate for President of the United States would win the nomination of his or her political party at that party's national convention.

Past winners

Bolded candidates eventually won their party's nomination. Candidates with an asterisk (*) subsequently won the presidential election.

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Democrats

• 2004- John Kerry defeated John Edwards
• 2000- Al Gore defeated Bill Bradley
• 1996- Bill Clinton* (unopposed)
• 1992- Tom Harkin defeated Paul Tsongas
• 1988- Dick Gephardt defeated Paul Simon
• 1984- Walter Mondale defeated Gary Hart
• 1980- Jimmy Carter defeated Ted Kennedy
• 1976- Jimmy Carter* defeated Birch Bayh
• 1972- Edmund Muskie defeated George McGovern

Republicans

• 2004- George W. Bush* (unopposed)
• 2000- George W. Bush* defeated Steve Forbes
• 1996- Bob Dole defeated Pat Buchanan
• 1992- George H. W. Bush (unopposed)
• 1988- Bob Dole defeated Pat Robertson
• 1984- Ronald Reagan* (unopposed)
• 1980- George H. W. Bush defeated Ronald Reagan*
• 1976- Gerald Ford defeated Ronald Reagan