Zach Lahn

Candidate, Governor of Iowa · Republican · Iowa

Zach Lahn is a businessman and farmer who won an upset in the 2026 Republican primary and is the party’s nominee in Iowa’s open 2026 race for governor; he has not previously held elected office.

Profile last updated Sep 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics

Summary

A political-outsider businessman aligned with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement who upset an establishment favorite in the GOP primary.

Recent Action

Won the Republican nomination for governor of Iowa in a 2026 primary upset as Gov. Kim Reynolds retired.

Where They Stand

Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.

EnvironmentMixed / Partial34

Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.

Emphasizes water quality and family farms while opposing sweeping federal mandates.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

HealthcareOpposes3

Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.

Opposes single-payer; emphasizes a "health-freedom" and market-based approach.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

Second AmendmentOpposes3

New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.

A Second Amendment supporter opposing new firearm restrictions.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

ImmigrationOpposes4

Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.

Champions strict border enforcement over broader legalization.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

Roe v. WadeOpposes3

Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.

Supports further abortion restrictions.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

National SecurityMixed / Partial3

Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.

Focuses on domestic priorities; expresses caution about foreign entanglements.

Limited Data / New Political Candidate

Party Loyalty

No voting record yet; loyalty cannot be measured.

On the 2026 Ballot

Sources

  1. Ballotpedia — Zach Lahn
  2. AP — Iowa policy coverage
  3. Ballotpedia — Zach Lahn
  4. AP — coverage of the Iowa governor race
  5. Iowa Democratic Party — 2026 governor race coverage
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