Trump-backed candidate in Iowa loses primary

June 3, 2026

In Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary, farmer and businessman Zach Lahn defeated three-term Congressman Randy Feenstra, despite Feenstra receiving Donald Trump's last-minute endorsement. Lahn ran on a populist, "Iowa first" platform with support from Turning Point USA and grassroots conservatives who viewed Feenstra as too establishment-aligned. The loss represents a rare blow to Trump's endorsement record, which comes as his approval rating in Iowa has dropped to -20% amid economic pressures from trade tariffs and the Iran conflict that have hurt farmers with retaliatory measures and rising costs.

Who is affected

Randy Feenstra (lost the gubernatorial primary despite Trump's endorsement)
Zach Lahn (won the Republican primary and will face the general election)
Iowa farmers (impacted by trade tariffs and Chinese retaliation, plus higher fuel and fertilizer costs from the US-Israeli war with Iran)
Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand (will face Lahn in November's gubernatorial race)
Paralympian Josh Turek (won Democratic primary for Senate seat)
Ashley Hinson (Republican Senate candidate)
Donald Trump (suffered damage to his endorsement track record)
Congressman Thomas Massie and Senator Bill Cassidy (unseated by Trump-backed challengers)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (won Senate nomination with Trump's backing)

What action is being taken

Trump is engaging in ongoing negotiations with Iran over the war
Democrats are targeting the Iowa governorship and Senate seat for potential flips in November
Lahn is preparing to face Rob Sand in the November gubernatorial election
Josh Turek is preparing to face Ashley Hinson in the Senate race

Why it matters

This primary result signals a potential erosion of Trump's political influence in Iowa, a state he won in three consecutive elections. Trump's approval rating has dropped significantly to -20% in Iowa due to economic hardships caused by his tariff policies and the costs of the Iran conflict, which have particularly damaged the state's agricultural sector. The outcome has transformed Iowa from a reliably red state into a competitive battleground, giving Democrats realistic opportunities to win both the governorship and an open Senate seat in November. This shift could have implications for Trump's broader political standing and the Republican Party's hold on traditionally favorable territory.

What's next

Zach Lahn will face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in November's gubernatorial election
Josh Turek will face Ashley Hinson in November's Senate race
Several election analysis groups have moved both races to toss-up or leans Republican categories
Democrats will continue targeting these Iowa races as key opportunities for November

Read full article from source: BBC