Iowa GOP Primary Upset: Lahn Defeats Trump-Backed Feenstra
In a surprise outcome, Make America Healthy Again-backed Zach Lahn defeated Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, setting up a general election race for the seat being vacated by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Primary Shocker
MAHA-backed Republican Zach Lahn pulled off an upset in Iowa's GOP gubernatorial primary, defeating Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra in the race to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds. The result represents a significant rebuke of Trump's endorsement in one of the nation's key early primary states.
Feenstra's Concession
In a concession speech that took many of his Republican supporters by surprise, Feenstra spoke to family and friends in his hometown of Hull in northwestern Iowa on Tuesday night. "The outcome wasn't what I wanted," Feenstra said, "but for me and I think everyone in this room, God has some awesome plans."
Lahn's Appeal
Lahn, who has never held elected office, mounted an outsider campaign for the nomination, winning the support of social conservative influencers including from the "Make America Healthy Again" movement and former 4th District Rep. Steve King, whose history loomed over the contest. The mobilization of the MAHA movement, closely aligned with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health advocacy platform, proved decisive in Iowa's conservative Republican primary.
Trump's Record in Iowa
King was ousted from Congress in the 2020 election, following years of controversy and accusations of racism, by Rep. Randy Feenstra — one of Lahn's top rivals who was endorsed by President Donald Trump in the days leading up to the primary. The defeat signals that Trump's endorsement power may have limits even in traditionally supportive Republican strongholds.
Looking Ahead
Lahn now advances to the general election, where he will face the Democratic nominee in a race to replace the retiring Kim Reynolds, who has led Iowa since 2018.