President Trump has endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) in the Iowa gubernatorial election ahead of the June 2 GOP primary. In a Truth Social post, the former president wrote: “Highly Respected American First Congressman, Randy Feenstra, is running for Governor of Iowa, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024, getting the highest Vote in the History of Iowa. Randy is MAGA all the way!”

Trump continued: “Randy Feenstra has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Governor of Iowa — RANDY WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Feenstra, a fourth-generation Iowan and current U.S. Congressman, is competing against four Republican candidates in the primary: Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer; former director of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Adam Steen; former state Rep. Brad Sherman of Williamsburg; and state Rep. Eddie Andrews of Johnston.

The crowded field poses challenges for securing an outright victory, as no candidate needs to win by at least 35% in the primary election. If no candidate achieves that threshold, delegates will select the nominee at the Iowa Republican state convention.

A recent poll conducted by JMC Analytics and Polling on May 27–28 found Lahn leading Feenstra with 24% to 22%. The survey included 550 respondents and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.18 percentage points, with Steen third at 15%, Sherman at 8%, and Andrews at 4%. More than a quarter of respondents—27%—remained undecided.

In fundraising, Lahn raised $980,152 from January through May 14 compared to Feenstra’s $739,059, though Feenstra maintains an overall lead with $5.04 million in contributions.

Feenstra expressed honor at receiving Trump’s endorsement: “I’m honored to have earned President Trump’s complete & total endorsement to be the next Governor of Iowa,” he said. Adding: “As Governor, I will stand with President Trump to cut and freeze property taxes, lower costs for families, and put Iowa first. I’ll never stop fighting for Iowa!”

The primary winner will face State Auditor Rob Sand in the fall general election, which nonpartisan analysts have labeled a “toss up.” Sand is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart stated that Republican grassroots activists have made it clear they do not want Feenstra to be the nominee and called Trump’s endorsement “too little too late.” Hart criticized Feenstra for “hiding from Iowa voters and ducking debates,” “writing the bill that makes the largest cuts to Medicaid in history,” and “supporting costly tariffs hurting Iowa farmers,” adding: “After a decade of failed one-party rule, Iowans know it’s time for change, and this announcement doesn’t change that.”