In the upcoming Iowa Republican caucuses, a majority of likely caucusgoers have remained steadfast in their support for the same candidate throughout the entire election cycle. This unwavering support has contributed to former President Donald Trump maintaining a significant lead heading into the crucial night on Monday. However, a notable number of Iowans who have changed their minds could play a decisive role in the race for the second-place contender.

According to the latest NBC News/Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll, 65% of likely GOP caucusgoers have remained loyal to their first-choice candidate since the beginning of the campaign. On the other hand, 27% have admitted to previously supporting a different candidate but have now shifted their allegiance.

Among the caucusgoers who have switched candidates, some had previously backed Donald Trump but are now seeking alternatives to the GOP frontrunner. Prominent figures like former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have emerged as popular choices among these voters.

Larry Gagen, 54, who initially supported Trump, voiced concern over the potential distractions posed by ongoing legal trials and Trump's limited presence in Iowa. Consequently, Gagen has decided to caucus for Haley in Dallas County, appreciating her ability to dedicate time to the campaign trail.

Meanwhile, Mary Davie, 59, had been a fan of Trump but felt he faced an uphill battle from the start. Davie plans to caucus for DeSantis in Mills County, believing that a candidate who has a higher chance of winning is necessary for the Republican Party.

Other caucusgoers have been opposed to Trump since the beginning of the election cycle and have switched their support between his opponents. Maison Bleam, 34, originally favored DeSantis but ultimately transitioned to supporting Nikki Haley due to her strong presence and diplomatic background.

Similarly, Quinn Dahlhauser, 41, was initially searching for an alternative to Trump, eventually settling on DeSantis in Kossuth County. Dahlhauser praised DeSantis' track record of accomplishments and perceived moral virtue, making him a compelling candidate.

Joe Cotton, 59, had initially been torn between Haley and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott. Despite Scott dropping out of the race in November, Cotton ultimately decided to back Haley, citing her executive and foreign policy experience.

Cotton also expressed his disapproval of Trump, labeling him as "not a real conservative or a Republican." Furthermore, Cotton was skeptical of DeSantis and Ramaswamy, referring to them as "Trump-lite" counterparts.

As the Iowa Republican caucuses draw closer, the emergence of these changing dynamics among GOP caucusgoers highlights the potential impact of voters' shifting allegiances. While Trump maintains a substantial lead, the preferences of those who have switched candidates could significantly shape the race for the second-place contender.