Republicans call for unified support for governor nominee Zach Lahn at state convention

The Iowa Republican State Convention emphasized party unity as Zach Lahn secured the GOP gubernatorial nomination with 38% of the vote in a six‑candidate race on June 2, narrowly beating U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra at 37.2% and signaling a grassroots mandate. Delegates at Horizon Events Center in Clive heard Iowa GOP chair Jeff Kaufmann urge unity after a tight primary, noting Feenstra’s endorsements from figures like former Gov. Terry Branstad and President Donald Trump, while Lahn framed Sand as a “divider.” Lahn thanked his rivals and urged delegates to prioritize Iowa first ahead of the 2026 election, challenging the influence of national interests.