President Donald Trump is using his clout to shape Iowa's Republican primaries, announcing endorsements for a slate of candidates across the state's congressional districts and the governor's race. In the 1st District, he backed U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks against marketing consultant David Pautsch. The 2nd District saw him support real‑estate businessman Joe Mitchell over state Sen. Charlie McClintock. He gave an unopposed nod to Rep. Zach Nunn in the 3rd District, and backed Siouxland Chamber president Chris McGowan in the 4th, where the remaining contenders have withdrawn. For the U.S. Senate primary, Trump favored Rep. Ashley Hinson over former state Sen. Jim Carlin, and he endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra for governor against a field that includes business owner Zach Lahn, former agency director Adam Steen, state Rep. Eddie Andrews and former Rep. Brad Sherman.
Democratic Party spokesperson Terra Hernandez slammed the Feenstra endorsement, calling him a “Washington sellout” who has prioritized the political establishment over Iowa voters. She argued the move comes too late to reverse Feenstra’s waning support after a bruising intra‑party fight.
The endorsements arrive just days before the June primary, setting the stage for a contested race that could determine how much influence Trump retains over the state GOP moving forward.
