Trump-backed Feenstra concedes GOP gubernatorial primary
0:20
• Source:
KCCI
Trump-backed Feenstra concedes GOP gubernatorial primary
0:20
•
KCCI
Zach Lahn, an Iowa farmer and businessman, will win the Republican nomination for governor, CNN’s Decision Desk projects, defeating a Trump-backed challenger and defying the party establishment in the race.
Lahn, who has never held elected office, mounted an outsider campaign for the nomination, winning the support of social conservative influencers including from the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and former 4th District Rep. Steve King, whose history loomed over the contest. King was ousted from Congress in the 2020 election, following years of controversy and accusations of racism, by Rep. Randy Feenstra — one of Lahn’s top rivals who was endorsed by President Donald Trump in the days leading up to the primary.
In a concession speech that took many of his Republican supporters by surprise, Feenstra spoke to family and friends in his hometown of Hull in northwestern Iowa on Tuesday night.
“The outcome wasn’t what I wanted,” Feenstra said, “but for me and I think everyone in this room, God has some awesome plans.”
Feenstra, a devout member of the First Christian Reformed Church, asked his supporters to pray with him during his brief remarks: “Lord, I humbly ask that you continue to be with Zach Lahn as he furthers the campaign that he can glorify you in all that he does.”
Outgoing GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds’ unexpected retirement sparked a crowded succession race, with Feenstra and Lahn jumping in alongside Adam Steen, the former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, and Brad Sherman, a former one-term state representative and pastor.
Lahn now advances to a closely watched general election campaign against state auditor Rob Sand, who ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination and has posted robust fundraising numbers while energizing his party.