Ron DeSantis barely finishes second in Iowa, with Nikki Haley close behind

Former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is projected to finish just behind Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) in the Iowa Caucus, Fox News reported, and ABC News confirmed.

The result comes despite Haley being considerably outspent by the DeSantis campaign.

Haley knocked DeSantis in the final GOP debate before the caucus, saying, “He has blown through $150 million. I don’t even know how you do that.”

Former President Donald Trump was overwhelmingly declared the winner of the contest, but second place was still up in the air as of Monday afternoon.

In recent months, the battle for runner-up to Trump and standard-bearer for Republicans desiring an alternative has been a contest between Haley and DeSantis. The Florida governor began his race leading Trump in polls, but lost ground steadily as the cycle unfolded.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson were also vying for a share of the vote, but the former finished fourth and withdrew from the race late Monday night.

The contest now moves on to New Hampshire, where the primary is thought to be more competitive.

Recent polls showed Haley holding Trump to a single-digit lead in the "Live Free or Die" state. That was before former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, an outspoken Trump critic, dropped out of the race.

Trump is still the heavy favorite nationwide to win the 2024 Republican nomination.