Iowa: The small swing state that has been voting red

Iowa, a Midwestern state known for its cornfields and agricultural prominence, joined the Union in 1846 and has participated in every US presidential election since 1848. The state is unique for its pivotal role in the presidential nomination process, being the first state to hold caucuses, which sets the tone for the primaries. While Iowa doesn’t hold as many electoral votes as more populous states, its political landscape has made it a bellwether for national trends.

Who are the voters?

Iowa has a relatively homogenous population compared to some states, but its voter demographics are still notable. According to the US Census Bureau’s 2020 report, 84.5 per cent of Iowa’s population identifies as White, while 4.6 per cent are Black or African American, 6.8 per cent are Hispanic or Latino, and 2.9 per cent are Asian. The state has a smaller foreign-born population compared to the national average. Still, immigration has played an increasing role in shaping its workforce, especially in agriculture and food processing industries.

Iowa’s voting population is mainly rural, with a strong presence of farmers and blue-collar workers, though its urban centres, such as Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, are growing. The state has about 2.4 million registered voters, with nearly 34 per cent registered as Republicans, 32 per cent as Democrats, and the rest as independents or unaffiliated voters.

Is it Democrat or Republican?

Iowa is a battleground state, having swung between Democratic and Republican presidential candidates over the years. In the 2020 election, Donald Trump won Iowa with 53.1 per cent of the vote, while Joe Biden secured 44.9 per cent. In 2016, Trump won 51.7 per cent, compared to Hillary Clinton’s 42.2 per cent. However, in 2012, Barack Obama carried the state with 52.2 per cent, while Mitt Romney garnered 46.4 per cent.

Is it a swing state?

Historically, Iowa has been considered a swing state, but it has recently shifted toward Republicans. With its support for Donald Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections, Iowa is now seen as a solid red state heading into the 2024 election. Despite its small number of electoral votes, Iowa’s former swing status significantly influenced it in close elections.

Has it given the US a president?

Iowa is the birthplace of Herbert Clark Hoover who served as the 31st President of the United States from 1929 to 1933. He was a member of the Republican Party, and held office during the onset of the Great Depression.

If there is any memorable election for the state?

In 2008, Barack Obama’s victory in the Iowa Democratic caucus was a turning point in his campaign, boosting his national profile and signalling his viability as a serious contender.

Prior to that, in 2004, George W. Bush had flipped Iowa to the Republican column, winning by a margin of less than 1 per cent.