DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Democrats are reeling after losing their special status as the first presidential nominating contest, unable to recreate the jolt of excitement and donations that would have accompanied the 2024 kickoff.

Iowa Democratic leaders are preparing for their first election in the middle of the presidential pecking order after the Democratic National Committee voted to remove the Hawkeye State from its early primary calendar slot last winter. The 2024 Democratic presidential primary will officially begin in South Carolina on Feb. 3.