These two states have led the nation's nominating contests over the past several decades. This year is little exception, with most candidates focusing many of their campaign efforts in these battlegrounds.

• - Iowa results
• - New Hampshire results

The Democratic National Committee has allowed South Carolina and Nevada to hold their contests before Feb. 5. Several other states have decided to grab a share of the spotlight and have moved up their dates as well — some in the face of threats by the national parties to revoke all of their delegates if they do so.

• - South Carolina profile
• - Florida profile
• - Michigan profile
• - Nevada profile

With more than 20 states lined up on Feb. 5, over 40 percent of each party's delegates will be chosen on this date — the earliest allowed without special exception. California and New York have the most delegates at stake.

• - California profile
• - New York profile