The primary sprint has begun with Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley have just seven weeks to convince Iowans to caucus for them instead of former President Donald Trump.

DeSantis and Haley are polling neck-and-neck at second place in Iowa, which is key for candidates looking to earn early momentum.

It will hold its caucuses on January 15 followed by the New Hampshire primary eight days later.

While Iowa is always critical to narrowing down the presidential field, it could also determine whether there is any contest at all this year.

Trump, although embroiled in several legal battles, is still the far favorite in Iowa and is dozens of points ahead in national polling.