How President Trump tried to influence key Iowa primary races

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — President Donald Trump who has dominated the past three general elections in Iowa is trying to use his influence over the Republican Party by endorsing candidates in some of the state’s biggest primary races this year.

President Trump’s endorsements:

1st District Republican primary:

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks of Ottumwa over her challenger, marketing consultant David Pautsch of Davenport

2nd District Republican primary:

Real estate businessman Joe Mitchell of Clear Lake over state Sen. Charlie McClintock of Alburnett

3rd District Republican primary:

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn of Ankeny. Zunn has no primary opponent.

4th District Republican primary:

Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan of Sioux City. The other four Republicans dropped out of the race.

U.S. Senate Republican primary:

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson of Marion over former state. sen. Jim Carlin of Sioux City

Iowa GOP primary for governor:

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull over Belle Plaine business owner Zach Lahn, former Iowa Dept. of Administratives Service Director Adam Steen of Runnells, state Rep. Eddie Andrews of Johnston, and former state rep. Brad Sherman of Williamsburg.

Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson Terra Hernandez criticized Trump’s endorsement of Feenstra four days before the primary election.

“Washington sellout Randy Feenstra has spent years putting the swamp ahead of hardworking Iowans, all to score political points with Donald Trump.

Unfortunately, the grassroots has made it clear they want anyone but Feenstra in this race, and this bailout comes too little too late after months of bruising Republican infighting that’s left him weakened, cash-strapped, and deeply unpopular.”