Republicans hoping to make a splash in the 2024 presidential nomination process may have a shorter runway than usual to launch a campaign that can draw national support — making Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses an even more critical early benchmark of success.

For former President Donald Trump, a big win in Iowa could cement his hold on the party and help him build traction with voters in later states — while a loss could indicate debilitating vulnerabilities.

And the growing cadre of Republicans challenging him are expected to face increased pressure from national donors hoping to avoid the kind of fractured field that helped elevate Trump to the nomination in 2016. Those donors are unlikely to tolerate candidates who fail to amass serious support by Caucus Day.