Randy Feenstra

Republican President Donald Trump has endorsed Iowa GOP governor nominee Zach Lahn, calling him "a tremendous candidate" in a July 10 social media post.

Lahn upset Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa's June 2 primary elections to become the party's nominee for governor in a race that national elections analysts are calling a "toss up." He will face Democrat Rob Sand in November.

In the primary, Trump backed Feenstra just days before the election. After Feenstra's loss, Trump told reporters he had not been given the proper information about the candidates.

"Had I been given the proper information, which I don't think I was, I probably would have endorsed the other person," Trump said. "But — or not endorsed at all. But I would have endorsed the other person. The other person was much more Trump, as you know, than Randy."

Lahn ran a primary campaign focused on an "Iowa First" message and "Make America Healthy Again" agenda that energized the party's grassroots and helped propel him to victory.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social website that Lahn has his "Zach Lahn has my "Complete and Total Endorsement" going into the general election.

"It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Zach Lahn, a tremendous Candidate running to be the next Governor of the Wonderful State of Iowa, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" Trump wrote.

"As a Sixth Generation Iowan, and a very successful Businessman, Zach knows the AMERICA FIRST Policies required to Grow our Economy, Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., and Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE. As a Family Farmer, Zach is an incredibly effective Voice for Iowa Agriculture, our amazing Farmers and Ranchers, and Making America Healthy Again! As your next Governor, Zach will work tirelessly to Safeguard our Elections, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment."

Lahn thanked Trump for the endorsement on social media.

"Very excited to officially have the endorsement of the President of the United States - Donald J. Trump," he wrote on X. "Looking forward to working together to win up and down the ballot in Iowa."

Democrats quickly dismissed the endorsement.

“No endorsement will change the fact that Zach Lahn is a career political operative and Kansas carpetbagger who can’t even commit to living in the state he wants to lead full-time," Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement. "Lahn is running to give Iowans four more years of Kim Reynolds’ failed status quo: more economic decline, underfunded public schools, record cancer growth rates, and higher costs. After a decade of failed one-party rule, Iowans know it’s time for change.”