Businessman Zach Lahn has won the Republican nomination for Iowa governor and will face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in the general election.
Lahn narrowly won the primary election over Congressman Randy Feenstra, who conceded Tuesday night before the race was called.
In his victory speech, Lahn criticized Sand for receiving campaign contributions from major Democratic donors, along with millions from his wife and in-laws.
“I’m my own biggest donor. I have not been bought, and I will not be bought. My only allegiance as governor is going to be to God, my family, and the people of Iowa. You have my word," Lahn said.
Lahn also says Sand is a liberal pretending to be moderate. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart says Lahn is a “career political operative and Kansas carpetbagger” who is pushing an extreme agenda.
Feenstra, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump last week, got 37.2 percent of the Republican vote, compared to 38 percent for Lahn.
There were five Republican nominees, and Adam Steen finished third with 14.5 percent.
Lahn said his priorities include combating Iowa’s high cancer rates and breaking up big ag monopolies.
Sand announced his 100 town halls tour will kick off on June 17. He will speak in Woodbury and Cherokee counties on July 16.
