Former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenThe Memo: Warning signs flash for Trump on debates Senate Republicans signal openness to working with Biden National postal mail handlers union endorses Biden MORE said he will continue his White House bid regardless of the results of Monday’s crucial Iowa caucuses.

In an email to supporters, Biden downplayed the Hawkeye State’s nominating contest, saying it is “one of many steps to go” and is “just the start” of the primary season.

“Whatever happens tonight, I intend to compete every step of the way and fight for every one of your votes,” Biden said.

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Biden’s camp has worked to lower expectations for his showing in Iowa heading into Monday’s caucuses as it faces off against a crowded primary field, including Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSenate Republicans signal openness to working with Biden Hillicon Valley: DOJ indicts Chinese, Malaysian hackers accused of targeting over 100 organizations | GOP senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal | QAnon awareness jumps in new poll Schumer, Sanders call for Senate panel to address election security MORE (I-Vt.), who has enjoyed a surge in state polling.

“Most [aides] feel it’s not going to be great,” one longtime Biden ally who has had conversations with top aides inside the campaign told The Hill Monday.

Biden’s aides and allies have said they hope for a top-three finish. However, a Biden confidant added that the campaign “is built for the long haul” if it falls short.

The former vice president is still widely considered a frontrunner in the field, topping many national surveys and polling strongly in states like South Carolina and several Super Tuesday states with more diverse electorates.

Biden has particularly been buoyed by strong support from African American voters, which other top-tier candidates have struggled to dent.

Biden touted his base of support in the email, saying the diversity of his backers made him well-situated to defeat President Trump Donald John TrumpBarr criticizes DOJ in speech declaring all agency power 'is invested in the attorney general' Military leaders asked about using heat ray on protesters outside White House: report Powell warns failure to reach COVID-19 deal could 'scar and damage' economy MORE in the general election.

“[H]ere’s the deal, we can’t win the battle for the soul of this nation without a diverse coalition of Americans,” he said. “And together, we are building the broad, deep, diverse coalition of support that Democrats will need next November to beat Trump.”