Zach Lahn, backed by the Make America Healthy Again movement aligned with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., defeated Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa’s Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday.

With nearly all votes counted, Lahn edged out Feenstra 37.8% to 37%, avoiding a potential state convention showdown that would have been triggered if no candidate reached 35%. Former state official Adam Steen finished a distant third with about 15%.

The outcome represents the first primary defeat for a Trump-backed candidate in a governor’s race, House race, or Senate race during the 2026 midterm cycle. Feenstra had received a late endorsement from President Trump and used it heavily in his final campaign push, while Lahn benefited from an endorsement by former Rep. Steve King and criticism of Feenstra on immigration.

Lahn will now face Democratic nominee Rob Sand, the state auditor, in what is expected to be a competitive general election. Sand ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and has positioned himself as an independent-minded candidate focused on issues affecting all Iowans. Some Republicans in the state have acknowledged that Sand has run a strong campaign and built an effective ground game.

The race for Iowa governor is one of several key contests in the state this cycle, including the Senate race and multiple House seats, as Republicans work to maintain their strong hold on the state amid shifting national dynamics.