Zach Lahn
Republican · Challenger · Governor
Background
Zach Lahn (R) is a businessman and farmer who won the Republican primary on June 2, 2026, narrowly defeating U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra. He has been endorsed by President Trump. The race is rated a toss-up.
Sources: Ballotpedia; Iowa Capital Dispatch.
Issue Positions
- Economy
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Prioritizes Iowa-based companies and economic development for in-state businesses. Supports tax relief for families and banning Wall Street hedge funds from buying single-family homes.
- Healthcare
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Focuses on addressing Iowa's cancer crisis through university research and public health initiatives. Supports protecting life from conception and addressing chronic health issues facing children.
- Immigration
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Opposes benefits for illegal immigrants and supports stopping H-1B visas for jobs that Iowans can fill in state government and universities.
- Climate/Environment
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Prioritizes clean water and addressing agricultural runoff. Supports conducting independent state safety tests on products used in Iowa and investigating cancer-causing contaminants.
- Gun Policy
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Supports Second Amendment rights. Earned endorsements from Stand For Health Freedom and MAHA Action.
- Education
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Supports making public schools competitive with private schools. Favors reducing standardized testing, focusing on mastery-based learning, and revoking teaching licenses for political agenda-pushing.