A new Des Moines Register poll published Friday shows Bernie Sanders rocketing to first position.
Sanders was the first choice of 20 percent of respondents, an increase of 5 percent since the last Des Moines Register poll.
This marks the first time Sanders has led in Iowa, just a month out from the crucial first in the nation caucuses.
Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren meanwhile held firm in second place, while former South Bend mayor Pete Buttigieg recorded a significant drop in support from 25 percent to 16 percent.
The poll comes at a time when the Democratic establishment is increasingly, albeit reluctantly embracing Sanders, reflecting a growing appreciation that his message of fundamental change can resonate with voters.
It is a cherry on top of a set of impressive polls for Bernie Sanders, with others showing him neck and neck in other key early states and his overall national standing on the rise.
The poll of 701 likely voters was conducted by Selzer & Co. between January 2 and 8.
