Zach Lahn’s win in Iowa is a rare rebuke to Trump, who still has an iron grip on the party Zach Lahn won Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary, narrowly defeating Congressman Randy Feenstra, who had received Donald Trump’s endorsement. This victory is a rare instance of a Trump-backed candidate losing a primary, though Trump’s endorsement has recently been successful in other races. Lahn campaigned against big agricultural businesses and embraced some policies from the ‘make America healthy again’ movement, while Democrats see a potential opportunity to win the governor’s mansion.

• Zach Lahn won the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary, narrowly defeating Congressman Randy Feenstra.
• Feenstra had received Donald Trump’s “Complete and Total Endorsement”, a rare occurrence of a Trump-backed candidate losing.
• Trump’s endorsement has recently been successful in primary challenges against Republican incumbents in other states.
• Lahn, a farmer and businessman, campaigned against big agricultural businesses and has embraced some “make America healthy again” policies.
• Democrats believe they have a strong chance to win the governor’s race due to Trump’s unpopularity and the strength of Democratic candidate Rob Sand.