Randy Feenstra loss delivers blow to Trump-endorsed candidate success rate
Zach Lahn defeated Trump-endorsed candidate Rep. Randy Feenstra in the Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary, marking a significant loss for the former president. Lahn's campaign focused on health and agricultural issues, contrasting with Feenstra's alignment with Trump's policies. This victory positions Lahn to face Democratic candidate Rob Sand in the upcoming general election.
- ▪Zach Lahn won the Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary against Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra by approximately 1,600 votes.
- ▪Lahn received about 37.79% of the vote, while Feenstra garnered around 37.01%.
- ▪This defeat is notable as Feenstra is one of the first Trump-endorsed candidates to lose in the GOP primaries.
- ▪Lahn's campaign emphasized health issues and agricultural concerns, contrasting with Feenstra's pro-Trump agenda.
- ▪Lahn will face Democratic candidate Rob Sand in the November general election.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
MAHA-backed farmer Zach Lahn dealt President Donald Trump his first major endorsement loss of the 2026 primaries as he bested the president’s pick, Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), in the Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary. Lahn defeated Feenstra by approximately 1,600 votes in the Tuesday night showdown, with Lahn receiving about 37.79% of the vote and Feenstra receiving about 37.01%, as of early Wednesday. Feenstra is one of the first Trump-endorsed candidates to fall in the GOP primaries, marking a bump in the road for the president’s resounding success rate in sending his candidates to the general election and ousting incumbents such as Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
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