Iowa voters choose a governor Tuesday, Nov. 3, with Republican Zach Lahn making farmland ownership a central issue and Democratic state auditor Rob Sand raising questions about the state budget. Gov. Kim Reynolds is not seeking another term, leaving the office open.
Lahn won the June 2 Republican primary with 80,407 votes, according to Iowa’s certified count. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra received 78,763, leaving a margin of 1,644 votes. President Donald Trump had endorsed Feenstra.
Lahn’s campaign calls for fuller disclosure of who owns Iowa land. It also proposes tougher laws, and enforcement of those laws, to prevent hedge funds and foreign adversaries from purchasing farms or homes in the state. The campaign identifies young Iowans as prospective homeowners and farmers. Separately, it wants to help farmers and other producers sell food directly to Iowa families.
Beyond land ownership, Lahn’s platform would give teachers more room to shape their lessons and place less emphasis on standardized tests. It also seeks independent safety tests of agricultural products at the state level, more research focused on cancer in Iowa and measures to improve water quality.
Sand has questioned how tax cuts would be balanced in Iowa’s budget.
The Associated Press also reported that Lahn campaigned for antitrust action against agricultural conglomerates during the primary. His campaign presents outside ownership and the power of large agricultural businesses as obstacles for Iowa farmers and families. The proposed policies remain campaign goals; their effects have not been measured.
The Iowa Secretary of State lists Lahn and Sand as candidates for the Nov. 3 general election.
