Randy Feenstra Loses Iowa GOP Governor Primary Despite Trump Endorsement

In the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary held on June 3, 2026, Rep. Randy Feenstra, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, lost to businessman Zach Lahn. Lahn received 37.8% of the votes compared to Feenstra's 37%. This marks the first time a Trump-backed candidate for governor has lost a primary election before the midterm elections. Feenstra conceded to Lahn on the night of the election. Trump's endorsement came shortly before the election, limiting its impact on Feenstra's campaign advertisements. Lahn was supported by various groups, including those aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Feenstra's defeat raises questions about the Republican Party's dynamics in Iowa, especially as incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking a third term. The Democratic candidate, Rob Sand, who has been the state auditor since 2019, ran unopposed in his primary and is campaigning to attract a broad voter base.