A Republican primary battle in Iowa just delivered a major surprise—and a setback for President Donald Trump’s endorsement power.
According to Fox News, Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), who received Trump’s endorsement just days before Election Day, conceded Tuesday night after losing the GOP gubernatorial primary to political newcomer Zach Lahn.
Lahn, a farmer and businessman backed by allies of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, ran on an “Iowa First” platform and overcame what many considered long odds to defeat one of the state’s most recognizable Republican figures.
The upset is likely to fuel debate inside conservative circles about the growing influence of MAHA-aligned activists and outsider candidates within the Republican coalition.
Feenstra entered the race with significant advantages. The congressman represented Iowa’s 4th District, enjoyed a fundraising edge, had support from prominent Iowa Republicans—including former Gov. Terry Branstad—and secured a late endorsement from Trump, who praised him as “MAGA all the way” and gave him his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
But it wasn’t enough.
With 99% of votes counted, Lahn held roughly a 1,600-vote lead over Feenstra, according to The Associated Press election tracker cited by Fox News.
Despite the loss, Feenstra quickly rallied behind his opponent.
“I just called Zach Lahn, and said, ‘Hey, you got to carry this torch. We got to keep this state red. You got to make sure you beat Rob Sand.’ And I’m all in to help him out,” Feenstra told supporters on election night, according to video shared by Iowa News Now reporter Skylar Tallal and cited by Fox News.
Lahn’s campaign received backing from MAHA Action, a political organization aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement. He was also endorsed by the political arm of Turning Point USA, the influential conservative organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk.
On his campaign website, Lahn describes himself as a father, farmer, and businessman committed to putting Iowa interests first.
The race opened after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she would not seek another term, creating Iowa’s first open gubernatorial contest in two decades.
Lahn now advances to a potentially competitive general election matchup against Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand, Iowa’s only Democratic statewide officeholder. Sand, who advanced through the Democratic primary unopposed, has built his reputation around government accountability and anti-corruption efforts.
Political handicappers have already signaled that the race could be one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the country. Fox News noted that the Cook Political Report recently shifted the race from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up,” while Inside Elections continues to rate it “Lean Republican.”
