Spencer, IA (KICD)– It was nearly standing room only in the gymnasium of Spencer Middle School Monday evening as Clay County Republicans came together for the first in the nation caucus despite freezing temperatures.

The evening began with attendees hearing from a supporter of former President Donald Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Texas preacher Ryan Binkley as they tried to swing votes.

From there voters were split into their respective precincts to cast their vote, but before that was even possible, Vice Chair Kate Padilla says they all got to experience a new way to make sure only those who registered for the caucus were voicing an opinion.

Clay County Republican leadership was expecting as many as 1500 voters to come out for the caucus with the final number ending up at 659.

When all of the ballots were counted, former President Trump came out on top with 390 votes followed by DeSantis at 120, Haley with 89 votes, Ramaswamy at 53, Binkley with six and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson with one vote.