Donald Trump adopted a surprising tone to start off his victory speech in New Hampshire Tuesday night: humbled and grateful.
He walked onstage with his family and spent the first five minutes of his speech giving thanks, first to his parents, his siblings, his wife and his children, before moving on to his staff and the other candidates.
He even nodded to Reince Priebus and the Republican National Committee, with whom he’s had a fraught relationship during his campaign.
Perhaps it’s because he didn’t take this victory for granted. Trump suffered an upset loss to Texas Senator Ted Cruz in Iowa, leading his campaign to rethink their strategy.
New Hampshire 2016 Primary results -- 92% precincts reporting
Trump was only onstage for 15 minutes, but the primary-watch event had been a rowdy victory party since 8 p.m., when the first projections of his win rolled in.
On the Trail in New Hampshire in 24 Pictures
Florida. Sen. Marco Rubio speaks to attendees during a campaign event at the Allard Center on Feb. 7, 2016, in Manchester, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters attend a campaign breakfast for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio at Londonderry High School in Londonderry, N.H., on Feb. 7, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIMERepublican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich attends a campaign event at Searles School and Chapel in Windham, N.H. on Feb. 8, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIMESupporters for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attend a campaign event at Rundlett Middle School on Feb. 6, 2016, in Concord, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton attend a campaign event at Rundlett Middle School on Feb. 6, 2016, in Concord, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMEA lost and found at Hampton Academy, where New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie held a campaign event on Feb. 7, 2016, in Hampton, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders attend a campaign event at Pinkerton Academy on M Feb. 8, 2016, in Derry, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attend a rally at the the Verizon Arena on Feb. 9, 2016, in Manchester, N.H.Natalie Keyssar for TIMEA microphone and glass of water used by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are seen at a campaign event at Rundlett Middle School on Feb. 6, 2016, in Concord, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMEFormer Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks to attendees during a campaign event at Rundlett Middle School on Feb. 6, 2016, in Concord, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMESeats are reserved for media at a campaign even for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders at Pinkerton Academy on Feb. 8, 2016, in Derry, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMEFlorida. Sen. Marco Rubio greets supporters during a campaign event at the Allard Center in Manchester, N.H. on Feb. 7, 2016.Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend a campaign event at Great Bay Community College on Feb. 6, 2016, in Portsmouth, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMERepublican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the the Verizon Arena on Feb. 9, 2016, in Manchester, N.H.Natalie Keyssar for TIMEThe McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Celebration featured Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders at the Verizon Arena in Manchester, N.H. on Feb. 5, 2016,Natalie Keyssar for TIMESupporters of Democratic presidential candidate, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders attend a campaign event at Great Bay Community College on Feb. 7, 2016, in Portsmouth, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMERepublican presidential candidate, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie held a campaign event at Hampton Academy on Feb. 7, 2016, in Hampton, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMENew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a campaign event at Hampton Academy on Feb. 7, 2016, in Hampton, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMEA supporter of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie attends a campaign event at Hampton Academy on Feb. 7, 2016, in Hampton, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMESupporters of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush attend a town hall event at the McKelvie Intermediate School in Bedford, N.H. on Feb. 6, 2016,Natalie Keyssar for TIMEA young supporter of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders attends a campaign event at Daniel Webster Community College on Feb. 8, 2016, in Nashua, N.H.Landon Nordeman for TIMEVermont Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks during a campaign event at Pinkerton Academy on Feb. 8, 2016, in Derry, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIMEA supporter of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio attends a campaign event at the Ultimate Sports Academy in Manchester, N.H. on Feb. 7, 2016.Natalie Keyssar for TIMEA United States flag is displayed at Pinkerton Academy during a campaign event for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders on Feb. 8, 2016, in Derry, N.H. Landon Nordeman for TIME
As soon as CNN called New Hampshire for Trump, the packed room erupted into cheers and chants as people pumped their foam “Make America Great Again” fingers in the air and drank beer and wine from the cash bar.
Rachelle Green, 29 from Nashua, was beaming when the results were announced. “I am just really excited,” she said as someone pulled her into the crowd, already looking forward to November: “Hopefully he’ll win!”
“I feel great,” said Eric Bouley, 50 from Allentown.
“My word for this is momentum,” interjected his wife Cheryl, 48. “I think this is going to spring [Trump] above everyone.”
That’s what Trump is hoping too, now off his first official win of the election season.
“Thank you, New Hampshire!” he yelled as he exited the stage. “Thank you, thank you, New Hampshire, thank you!”