Trump's Primary Endorsement Streak Ends with Iowa Governor Loss
In Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, businessman Zach Lahn defeated Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra, ending Trump's 38-0 primary endorsement streak. Lahn campaigned on an anti-pesticide, anti-big agriculture platform backed by the MAHA movement and Turning Point Action. Feenstra faced criticism for poor campaigning and skipping debates. The Democratic nominee, Rob Sand, ran unopposed, and the general election is now seen as competitive. The upset signals limits to Trump's influence within the GOP.
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Iowa Republican Primary: Zach Lahn Defeats Trump's Pick with Anti-Pesticide, Anti-Big Ag Platform
In a significant upset in Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, businessman and farmer Zach Lahn defeated President Donald Trump's preferred candidate, Rep. Randy Feenstra. Lahn, who was relatively unknown six months ago, campaigned on a platform opposing pesticides and large agricultural corporations, aligning with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement backed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lahn's victory marks a rare electoral setback for Trump and highlights growing tensions within the GOP over agricultural policy, particularly regarding glyphosate and corporate farming. Lahn emphasized regenerative farming, water quality issues, and breaking up 'big ag cartels.' The MAHA PAC, Turning Point, and local farmers supported his campaign. The win also signals potential Democratic opportunities in the deep-red state and reflects rising voter concern over health and environmental issues linked to industrial agriculture.
Fortune | FORTUNEIowa hands Trump first major statewide primary loss of 2026 in governor's race
In the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary, Zach Lahn defeated incumbent Representative Randy Feenstra, marking President Donald Trump's first significant primary loss in the 2026 midterm election cycle. The outcome signals a potential shift in Republican voter sentiment within a key early-voting state, as Lahn's victory challenges Trump's influence over party nominations. The race drew national attention due to its implications for Trump's political standing ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Just In NewsTrump's Primary Endorsement Streak Ends in Iowa Governor Race
President Trump's 38-0 winning streak for primary endorsements ended Tuesday night in Iowa, where his pick for governor, Representative Randy Feenstra, narrowly lost to businessman Zach Lahn. Feenstra faced criticism for poor campaigning and skipping debates, while Lahn gained support from the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and an endorsement from Turning Point Action. Lahn, a farmer, also had backing from former Representative Steve King, a white nationalist who lost his seat to Feenstra in 2020. The Democratic nominee, state auditor Rob Sand, ran unopposed and early polling suggests a competitive general election, though polls assumed Feenstra would be the nominee. The result signals limits to Trump's endorsement power within the Republican Party.
The New RepublicTrump's Primary Endorsement Streak Ends with Iowa Loss
President Trump's perfect 38-0 record of primary endorsement wins ended Tuesday night in Iowa, where his chosen candidate for governor, Representative Randy Feenstra, narrowly lost to businessman Zach Lahn. Feenstra faced criticism for poor campaigning and skipping debates, while Lahn gained support from the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and a key endorsement from Turning Point Action. Lahn, a farmer, also had the backing of former Representative Steve King, a white nationalist who lost his seat to Feenstra in 2020. The Democratic nominee, state auditor Rob Sand, ran unopposed in his primary, and early general election polling suggests a competitive race, though those polls assumed Feenstra would be the nominee. The result signals limits to Trump's endorsement power within the Republican Party.
The New RepublicTrump's Primary Endorsement Winning Streak Ends in Iowa
President Trump's streak of winning primary endorsements ended Tuesday night in Iowa, where his pick for governor, Representative Randy Feenstra, narrowly lost to businessman Zach Lahn. Feenstra faced criticism for poor campaigning and skipping debates, while Lahn gained support from the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and an endorsement from Turning Point Action. Just two days prior, Trump had boasted on Truth Social about a '38-0' record. Lahn, a farmer, drew strong support in the agriculture-heavy state and also received an endorsement from former Representative Steve King, a disgraced white nationalist who lost his seat to Feenstra in 2020. Democrats see the governorship as within reach, with state auditor Rob Sand unopposed in the Democratic primary. Early polling suggests Sand may have a slight edge in the general election, though those polls assumed Feenstra would be the nominee. The results indicate Trump's endorsement power is limited.
The New RepublicIowa Primary: Trump-Backed Candidate Loses Gubernatorial Race; Hinson Wins Senate Primary
In the Iowa primary elections held on June 3, 2026, Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump and Senator Joni Ernst, lost the gubernatorial primary to farmer Zach Lahn. Lahn, supported by the MAHA Action group, will face Democratic state auditor Rob Sand in the general election. In the Senate primary to replace retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, endorsed by Trump, Ernst, and Senator Chuck Grassley, defeated former state senator Jim Carlin. On the Democratic side, state representative Josh Turek, a wheelchair basketball Paralympian, won the Senate primary over progressive-backed state senator Zach Wahls. Turek will face Hinson in the general election.
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