DES MOINES — No notable Republican has declared outright a challenge to President Joe Biden in 2024. But plenty of them are flocking to Iowa — courting activists, establishing political action committees and criticizing Democrats — signaling that the GOP presidential primary is already underway.

But this cycle has a Trump-induced twist. As the former president keeps Republicans guessing on whether he will run again, politicians are being especially circumspect about their own White House aspirations.

“Usually, when the race is over and (Republicans) don’t win ... the very next day, the race is on,” said Bob Vander Plaats, president of the Family Leader, an influential network of Christian activists in the state. “That hasn’t been the case so much. A lot of people are still asking, ‘What is Trump going to do?’”

The looming question has added an extra degree of coyness as possible contenders cozy up to voters in Iowa, which traditionally has held the first contest of the nominating season. Despite some prominent conservatives in the state sensing desire for a new Republican standard-bearer, politicians are working hard not to alienate Donald Trump, who still enjoys broad popularity with the party’s base.

The prominent Republicans who have visited so far include former Vice President Mike Pence; Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Rick Scott of Florida; ex-Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley; and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

“It’s been earlier, and more intense, for year one of a four-year presidential cycle, but I would also say all of them are very, very careful not to even intimate that they are potentially looking at a presidential run,” said Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the Iowa Republican Party.

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