Zach Lahn won the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, defeating Rep. Randy Feenstra in a race that marks President Trump's first major statewide primary loss of the 2026 midterm election cycle.
Feenstra, a sitting congressman, had received Trump's endorsement in the race to become Iowa's next governor. His loss represents a notable shift, as Trump-backed candidates had maintained a winning streak in primaries since March. The result suggests that Trump's political influence, while still significant in Republican politics, does not guarantee victory even in Republican-leaning states.
Five candidates competed in the Republican primary, with Lahn emerging as the winner. The race took on added significance as a test of Trump's continued sway over Republican voters heading into November's general election. Iowa has trended Republican in recent statewide races, though Democrats believe they can remain competitive in several contests this cycle.
In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, state auditor Rob Sand ran unopposed and will advance to the general election. Sand is the last member of the Democratic Party holding statewide elected office in Iowa, and party officials view him as a historically strong candidate for the governor's mansion, which Republicans have controlled since 2011.
The gubernatorial race is one of several competitive contests emerging from Iowa's Tuesday primaries. In the U.S. Senate race, state house representative Josh Turek won the Democratic primary to replace retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Turek defeated state senator Zach Wahls in a contentious primary that centered on party direction and electability. Wahls had positioned himself as an outsider critical of Democratic leadership, while Turek argued he was more electable based on his previous victories in a conservative-leaning district. Turek benefited from millions of dollars in outside spending and backing from national Democratic figures. He will face Republican Ashley Hinson, a U.S. representative who received Trump's endorsement.
Democrats also showed strength in House races across Iowa. In Iowa's first congressional district, incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks won her primary and will face University of Iowa law professor Christina Bohannan, who won the Democratic nomination. Bohannan previously lost to Miller-Meeks by approximately 800 votes in 2024. In the third district around Des Moines, incumbent Republican Zach Nunn won his primary and will face state senator Sarah Trone Garriott, the Democratic nominee.
The Iowa results reflect a broader pattern shaping up across the country heading into November's midterm elections. Several states held primary elections on Tuesday, setting the stage for competitive general election campaigns that could determine control of Congress.