• by Jess Nelson , February 2, 2016

Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign claimed a slim victory over Bernie Sanders in Monday's Iowa Caucus as questions over her use of a private email server as Secretary of State linger. 

Clinton won the Iowa Democratic primary by less than half of a percentage point over Sanders. According to Politico, Clinton received 49.9% of the vote and 29 delegates from the Iowa caucus, while Sanders followed extremely close behind with 49.6% of the vote and 21 delegates.

Martin O’Malley finished in third place with less than 1% of the vote, and announced his intentions to suspend his presidential campaign after the poor turnout. He has yet to endorse either of the remaining Democratic candidates.

Clinton triumphed in avoiding a repeat of the 2008 Iowa primary, where she finished third behind John Edwards and soon-to-be President Barack Obama. But Clinton’s narrow victory might raise doubts over her national candidacy, especially considering that she was once the overwhelming favorite to win the state primary.

Questions remain about Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been investigating whether any classified information was mishandled. State Department officials told the Associated Press Saturday that 22 emails contained "top secret" information, but would not specify what information they contained or if Clinton herself had sent them.

Amidst the investigation, Clinton still maintains a sizable lead against Sanders in overall delegate count. Clinton has the endorsement of 385 delegates, while Sanders trails with 29, according to the latest estimates from the Associated Press. Clinton’s substantial lead is derived from her 45-1 advantage over Sanders in Democratic super-delegates, reports NPR.

Some 2,383 delegates are needed to secure a Democratic presidential nomination. Republicans require 1,237 delegates.

With Sanders likely to win the New Hampshire primary, all eyes are turned to the Nevada primary on February 20 and the South Carolina primary on February 27.