Lahn Touts Trump Endorsement, Hinson Warns of Democrat 'Dark Money' at Iowa GOP Dinner

DES MOINES — Iowa Republicans rallied Friday night at the party's annual Lincoln Dinner, where gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn highlighted a fresh endorsement from President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson warned against what she called unlimited 'dark money' spending by Washington Democrats to flip Iowa seats.

The event at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown, part of Governor Kim Reynolds' Legacy Tour, drew top GOP figures including Reynolds, Lahn, Hinson, and state party chair Jeff Kaufmann. Reynolds, who is retiring at the end of her term in 2027, pledged to visit all 99 counties before stepping down.

'We're going to do one last 99 county tour before I'm done because I really miss being out in the state and just connecting with people,' Reynolds said. 'They fire me up. They give me energy.'

Trump Endorsement Boosts Lahn's Campaign

Lahn, a political outsider from a small town north of Sioux City, used his speech to thank Reynolds for her leadership on tax cuts and school choice reform. He also touted Trump's endorsement, which came earlier Friday.

'A boy who grew up north of Sioux City in a small town of less than 300 people. I was endorsed for this campaign by President Donald J. Trump,' Lahn said. He framed the endorsement as a call to duty, not a prize.

Outside the hotel, more than 40 protesters criticized Lahn for backing Reynolds' policies, citing concerns about cancer rates, economic growth, education, and water quality. Lahn did not directly respond but reaffirmed his support for Reynolds.

Hinson Targets Turek's Record, Warns of Schumer Money

Hinson took aim at her Democratic opponent, state Rep. Josh Turek, accusing him of missing 60% of his votes in the Iowa House, including the state's farm bill. Kaufmann echoed that criticism, calling it hypocrisy.

'Let me be very clear here. Chuck Schumer is on the ballot this year, and he goes by the name of Josh Turek,' Hinson said. 'We're not going to let him win.'

She warned that Schumer has already spent more than $10 million through a super PAC in Iowa, more than on any other candidate nationwide. Hinson said Democrats see Iowa as their best chance to flip the governor's mansion, Senate seat, and congressional seats.

Branstad Honors Reynolds in Video Tribute

Former Governor Terry Branstad, dealing with health issues, recorded a video thanking Reynolds for her service. He praised her handling of the COVID crisis and her focus on economic development and education.

Reynolds thanked Branstad for choosing her as lieutenant governor, calling him a mentor and friend. The event underscored GOP unity as the party looks toward November's general election.