Bernie Sanders has described the result of the US Democratic party's Iowa caucses as a "virtual tie" in his victory speech.
The self-described democratic socialist said the people of the state had sent a message the country's political economic and media establishments.
He said that unlike other politicians, he did not represent the country's "billionaire class".
Mr Sanders came hot on Hillary Clinton's coat-tails in the vote, in a practical dead heat between the two candidates.
Amongst young voters, who have volunteered for the Vermont senator in droves, Mr Sanders won with a huge 84 per cent, according to figures published by the New York Times newspaper.
The two candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination will next face off in New Hampshire, another traditional early primary election state.
The winner will face the eventual Republican nominee at the US presidential election in November.
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