The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement recently achieved a significant victory when its endorsed candidate, Zach Lahn, won the Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary against incumbent Rep. Randy Feenstra, who had the backing of President Donald Trump. This outcome marks a rare instance of a Trump-endorsed candidate losing a primary, indicating MAHA's willingness to assert its political influence.
In the lead-up to the election, MAHA PAC conducted extensive outreach, including a text message campaign that reached approximately 350,000 likely Iowa GOP voters and a voicemail campaign targeting over 83,000 cellphones. The PAC also made 40,500 get-out-the-vote phone calls and executed three rounds of robocalls to more than 36,000 landlines.
MAHA, which began under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aims to play a larger role in future elections, including 2026 and 2028. Zen Honeycutt, founder of the Moms Across America Movement, emphasized that MAHA is not aligned with any single political figure, including Trump or Kennedy.
Lahn's victory is attributed to his opposition to glyphosate, a key issue for MAHA that has created tensions with the Trump administration, which has supported glyphosate manufacturers. Claire Dooley, a MAHA member, expressed frustration with Trump's executive order supporting glyphosate, which she believes has alienated many voters.
The MAHA movement's divergence from traditional GOP positions may complicate the party's efforts to maintain control of Congress. Some Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, are attempting to appeal to MAHA voters by aligning with their advocacy for healthier policies, although differences on issues like COVID-19 vaccines present challenges.
Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor, noted that while MAHA voters may not align strictly with Trump, they still support him on many issues. GOP strategist Matt Dole suggested that MAHA is perceived as an extension of Trump's base, though it may provide a platform for those seeking to influence key issues.
Polling indicates that younger voters are receptive to MAHA's positions, despite skepticism surrounding vaccines. The movement reflects a growing sentiment of distrust towards institutions, which has been a significant factor in recent political dynamics. As the midterm elections approach, MAHA may have opportunities to support candidates who challenge the establishment.
