Trump-Backed GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Comes Up Short In Primary

An Iowa Republican backed by President Donald Trump came up short in Tuesday’s gubernatorial primary, delivering one of the few notable setbacks for the president’s endorsement record this cycle.

Zach Lahn defeated U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra in the Republican contest, setting up a general election battle against Democrat Rob Sand in November.

“Lahn — one of five GOP candidates — received 37.7% of the vote, surpassing the 35% threshold required to win outright and avoid a Republican convention, according to the Iowa Secretary of State’s unofficial results,” said the report.

While the outcome marks a rare disappointment for Trump-backed forces, Republicans may have avoided an even more damaging scenario. With Lahn clearing the required threshold, the party can move past the primary and begin uniting behind its nominee instead of being dragged into a costly convention fight.

The race is especially significant because Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds chose not to seek another term, creating the state’s first open governor’s race in 20 years, according to Axios.

Lahn ran on an “Iowa First” message, positioning himself as a populist conservative willing to challenge entrenched interests, outside money, and political influence from beyond the state. His campaign rejected support from groups such as AIPAC and emphasized state sovereignty, economic independence, and protection for working families.

He also received the backing of RFK Jr.’s MAHA Action and pledged to stop illegal immigrants from receiving state benefits. Lahn has also vowed to end the use of H-1B visas for jobs in state government and public universities.

A key part of his campaign focused on Iowa farmers, farmland ownership, and the concern that large financial interests are making it harder for young families to build a future in agriculture.

“They treat Iowa land like it’s a commodity instead of our inheritance. They treat us like numbers, not neighbors,” Lahn said.

Lahn argued that investors are buying up farmland across Iowa, driving prices higher and pushing the next generation of farmers out of reach.

“Our young people are leaving faster than 46 other states because they don’t see enough opportunity here,” Lahn declared.

“Wall Street hedge funds and foreign interests are buying and selling our land. Driving up costs so our kids are priced out of the market,” Lahn added.

The Republican nominee has also raised concerns about public health and corporate accountability, calling for scrutiny of powerful industries that have long held influence in agricultural states.

“We have to find out what Big Ag and Big Pharma knew about the safety of their products and when they knew it,” Lahn said.

“Iowa has the fastest growing cancer rate in the world. We all know something is terribly wrong,” Lahn said.

“This will not go on when I’m governor. We are losing the wisdom of a generation,” Lahn declared.

Lahn sought to distinguish himself from the political class during his campaign, telling supporters that he does not view himself as part of the establishment.

“I know many people have stood before you on election night making promises, because that’s what politicians do. I’m not a politician,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republicans in nearby Minnesota received a boost in another high-profile race as NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy endorsed former broadcaster Michele Tafoya in her Senate campaign.

Tafoya, a Republican, is running for the seat being vacated by Democratic Sen. Tina Smith.

As Outkick noted, the endorsement comes with a long professional history. Dungy and Tafoya worked together for more than a decade on NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast, with Dungy serving as an analyst and Tafoya as a sideline reporter.

“I’ve known Michele Tafoya for over 30 years, and I can tell you this: Michele is the real deal,” Dungy said in the endorsement video.

“She’s grounded in faith, guided by strong values, and committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s not popular,” he continued.

“Michele and I worked together in broadcasting for over a decade, and what impressed me most about her is her character,” said the former top coach.

“She loves this country, she cares deeply about families and kids, and she knows that leadership means accountability and service,” Dungy continued.

“Michele isn’t a career politician. She’s an independent thinker and a common sense conservative who’s ready to stand up for Minnesota.”

“Our state needs principled leadership, and that’s why I support Michele Tafoya for the United States Senate,” Dungy continued in his video.

The runoff is scheduled for Aug. 21.