Cancer rates, water quality, and pesticides are shaping up to be top-of-mind for voters in Iowa in the general election this fall as the gubernatorial candidates from both parties have made improving Iowans’ health the centerpiece of their campaigns. Both Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand are appealing to swing voters who align with the Make America Healthy Again movement by campaigning on improving food quality and reducing chronic disease rates. Lahn, a farmer and businessman, upset the apple cart earlier this month by winning his primary against Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), becoming the first Republican this election season to beat a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Iowa political operatives from both sides of the aisle told the Washington Examiner that Lahn received a groundswell of support in the days leading up to the primary election in large part because of his clear antiestablishment messaging in relation to big agricultural corporations in the state.
Trump effectively rescinded his endorsement of Feenstra after his election loss, saying Lahn was the stronger candidate and the most in line with the Make America Great Again movement and “America First” agenda.
