Feenstra concedes to Lahn in Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary

<p>Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, conceded to Republican Zach Lahn after the polls closed on Tuesday night in Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary. Lahn, a farmer and businessman, won with an 'Iowa First' campaign message, defeating Feenstra and other candidates including former state Rep. Brad Sherman, former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen, and state Rep. Eddie Andrews.</p><p>Lahn had a lead of approximately 1,600 votes over Feenstra shortly after midnight Eastern Time, with 99% of the votes counted, according to The Associated Press. Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, had entered the race as a well-known candidate with significant support, including a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump.</p><p>In his concession speech, Feenstra expressed his support for Lahn, stating, 'I just called Zach Lahn, and said, ‘Hey, you got to carry this torch. We got to keep this state red. You got to make sure you beat Rob Sand.'</p><p>Lahn will now face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in the general election scheduled for November. Sand advanced unopposed through the Democratic primary and has focused his campaign on government accountability and anti-corruption efforts. Early ratings indicate that the general election could be competitive, with the Cook Political Report moving the race from 'Lean Republican' to 'Toss Up' in April.</p>