Northwest Iowa voters went to the polls yesterday for one of the most competitive primary elections in recent years, highlighted by a major upset in the race for governor and several closely watched legislative contests.
Zach Lahn won the Republican nomination for governor, defeating Congressman Randy Feenstra in a tight statewide race. Feenstra conceded late last night at his watch party in Hull, saying he had called Lahn to congratulate him and would support him heading into November. Democrat Rob Sand secured his party’s nomination unopposed.
In the U.S. Senate primaries, Ashley Hinson won the Republican nomination, while Josh Turek carried the Democratic ballot.
In Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, Democrat Dave Dawson advanced to November after finishing ahead of Stephanie Steiner of Sutherland and Ashley WolfTornabane of Storm Lake. He’ll face Republican Chris McGowan, who ran unopposed.
Senator Lynn Evans of Aurelia retained his District 3 seat, defeating challenger Shane Bellefy of Cherokee. In House District 5, Keith Glienke of Aurelia won the Republican nomination to replace Zach Dieken, defeating Michael Schnoes of Paullina.
County-level results show steady turnout across the region.
In Cherokee County, voters cast more than 2,200 ballots, with strong participation in several local Republican contests. Cheryl Ellis won a close race for County Supervisor District 4, and other courthouse races were uncontested.
In Ida County, turnout topped 18 percent, and all county offices on both party ballots were uncontested or decided by write-ins.
In Sac County, turnout approached 37 percent. Joel Suggitt won the Republican primary for sheriff, defeating Tyler Prescott. Mike Fischer won the GOP nomination for County Supervisor District 2, and James Wissler won in District 3. In the county recorder race, Bethany Burns defeated Crystal Hanrahan with just over 73 percent of the vote. Other courthouse races were uncontested or decided by wide margins.
In Buena Vista County, every county race was uncontested, with incumbent Republicans advancing to November.
