{"id":2614113,"date":"2026-06-15T06:41:01","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T10:41:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/making-iowa-healthy-again-in-the-gubernatorial-election\/"},"modified":"2026-06-15T06:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T10:46:09","slug":"making-iowa-healthy-again-in-the-gubernatorial-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/making-iowa-healthy-again-in-the-gubernatorial-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Making Iowa healthy again in the gubernatorial election"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmaking-iowa-healthy-again-in-the-gubernatorial-election%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2614113&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>The upcoming iowa gubernatorial race is heavily centered on health-related issues, notably cancer rates, water quality, adn pesticides. Both Republican Zach lahn and Democrat Rob Sand are campaigning on promises to improve public health, emphasizing reducing chronic diseases and addressing environmental concerns linked to agriculture. Lahn, who gained support through his antiestablishment stance against Big Agriculture and aligned with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, advocates for holding chemical manufacturers liable and boosting cancer research. Sand focuses on water quality improvements, stricter regulation of agriculture runoff, and lasting farming practices. Both candidates address Iowa&#8217;s alarming cancer statistics, which are rising faster than elsewhere in the US, partly due to environmental factors like radon exposure and nitrate pollution from agriculture.The race reflects broader political debates, with health policies intertwined with issues of economy, farming, and environmental regulation, and highlights the contrast between Lahn\u2019s Trump-aligned approach and Sand\u2019s emphasis on regulatory reforms for cleaner water and reduced health risks.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cancer rates, water quality, and pesticides are shaping up to be top-of-mind for voters in <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iowa\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iowa\/\">Iowa<\/a> in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/2026-election\/\">general election<\/a> this fall as the gubernatorial candidates from both parties have made improving Iowans\u2019 health the centerpiece of their campaigns. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4591522\/maha-movement-2026-midterm-elections\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/congressional\/4591522\/maha-movement-2026-midterm-elections\/\">Republican Zach Lahn<\/a> and Democrat Rob Sand are appealing to swing voters who align with the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maha\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/maha\/\">Make America Healthy Again<\/a> movement by campaigning on improving food quality and reducing chronic disease rates. <\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4608084\/senator-mitch-mcconnell-hospitalized\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Mitch McConnell hospitalized but receiving \u2018excellent care,\u2019 adviser says<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/senate\/4608084\/mitch-mcconnell-hospitalized-health\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Mitch McConnell hospitalized but receiving \u2018excellent care,\u2019 adviser says<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/4605587\/us-american-island-hantavirus-isolation\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>US spends $750,000 to retrieve American from island after hantavirus isolation<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lahn, a farmer and businessman, upset the apple cart earlier this month by winning his primary against Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), becoming the first Republican this election season to beat a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump. <\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Iowa political operatives from both sides of the aisle told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that Lahn received a groundswell of support in the days leading up to the primary election in large part because of his clear antiestablishment messaging in relation to big agricultural corporations in the state. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trump<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4605790\/trump-randy-feenstra-rival-iowa-endorsement\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4605790\/trump-randy-feenstra-rival-iowa-endorsement\/\"> effectively rescinded his endorsement<\/a> of Feenstra after his election loss, saying Lahn was the stronger candidate and the most in line with the Make America Great Again movement and \u201cAmerica First\u201d agenda.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lahn\u2019s positions on health and agriculture policy earned him an endorsement from the group MAHA Action, a right-wing PAC born out of the 2024 election partnership between Trump and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/rfk-jr\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/rfk-jr\/\">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.<\/a>, the environmental health activist turned Health and Human Services secretary.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But Sand, the current state auditor, has also leaned into campaign messaging on making Iowa healthy again, even without embracing the MAHA label.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Sand and Lahn have promised to reverse Iowa\u2019s position as the state with the second-highest incidence rate of all types of cancers. They each have also blamed the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/4560819\/gop-torn-agriculture-maha-glyphosate\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/energy-and-environment\/4560819\/gop-torn-agriculture-maha-glyphosate\/\">herbicide glyphosate<\/a>, the chemical in RoundUp, for contributing to the cancer rate and have insisted that the manufacturer Bayer be held liable in court, a key issue for MAHA voters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jimmy Centers, a GOP strategist based in Des Moines, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that a variety of other issues are at play in the Iowa gubernatorial race, particularly affordability, but health policy is certainly on the ballot.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMore than any time I can remember, candidates are talking about how, if at all, our farming practices and our agricultural economy is impacting the state\u2019s public health,\u201d Centers said. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zach Lahn, Republican candidate for Iowa governor, speaks during a campaign event Thursday, May 28, 2026, in Newton, Iowa. (Erin Murphy\/The Gazette via AP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-iowa-s-cancer-and-water-quality-problems\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Iowa\u2019s cancer and water quality problems<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public health problems are especially acute for Iowans heading into the general election this fall. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In March, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shri.public-health.uiowa.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026-Cancer-in-Iowa.pdf\">University of Iowa<\/a> released its annual cancer report that found the Hawkeye State has the fastest-growing rate of cancer in the United States. The report projects an estimated 21,700 new cancer diagnoses in Iowa this year, 6,400 new cancer deaths, and nearly 192,000 cancer survivors currently living in the state.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rates of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma have all been increasing in Iowa, according to the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/shri.public-health.uiowa.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Iowa-Cancer-Registry-Why-Does-Iowa-Have-the-2nd-Highest-and-Fastest-Rising-Cancer-Rate-in-the-US.pdf#:~:text=Iowa%20has%20the%202,mortality%20from%201990-2019\">Iowa Cancer Registry<\/a>, while other states and the national average continue to trend downward. Lung cancer rates in Iowa also remain higher than the national average, despite smoking rates in the state decreasing in recent years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with most public health concerns, Iowa\u2019s cancer problem is multifactorial.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likely due to <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iaenvironment.org\/blog\/iowa-environmental-voice\/radon-in-iowa-the-hidden-carcinogen-we-can-no-longer-ignore\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.iaenvironment.org\/blog\/iowa-environmental-voice\/radon-in-iowa-the-hidden-carcinogen-we-can-no-longer-ignore\">natural environmental factors<\/a>, nearly 72% of homes in Iowa exceed the Environmental Protection Agency\u2019s safe level of radon, a radioactive gas that is the No. 1 cause of lung cancer for nonsmokers. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pollution from fertilizer and manure runoff from large agricultural businesses could also contribute to Iowa\u2019s cancer and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/dr-david-bell-on-100-days-vaccines-and-new-lockdown-policies\/\" title=\"Dr. David Bell discusses &#039;100-Day Vaccines&#039; and fresh lockdown measures.\">chronic disease burden<\/a>.\u00a0Iowa wastewater treatment plants have struggled for two years to keep <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iaenvironment.org\/blog\/iowa-environmental-voice\/elevated-nitrate-in-iowas-public-water-systems-disproportionately-affects-vulnerable-populations\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.iaenvironment.org\/blog\/iowa-environmental-voice\/elevated-nitrate-in-iowas-public-water-systems-disproportionately-affects-vulnerable-populations\">nitrate levels in drinking water<\/a> below EPA standards, which advocates say is largely due to lax regulations for waste management for the cattle industry. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier in June, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kcci.com\/article\/central-iowa-water-works-lawn-watering-ban-nitrate-levels-irrigation\/71526582\">Central Iowa Water Works<\/a>, which supplies Des Moines and the surrounding areas, enacted a mandatory lawn-watering ban for the summer to keep water usage low enough for treatment facilities to continue to remove excess nitrate contamination. The company is also encouraging residents to limit outdoor water activities to reduce demand for treated water.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kennedy attended an event at the end of May in Iowa with the current Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) to celebrate her signing of a key piece of <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/4576828\/reynolds-maha-iowa-food-dye-bans-ivermectin-fitness-tests\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/4576828\/reynolds-maha-iowa-food-dye-bans-ivermectin-fitness-tests\/\">MAHA-oriented legislation<\/a> as part of his nationwide Take Back Your Health tour in the lead-up to the midterm elections.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Water quality was not included in the bill. Instead, the legislation eliminated artificial food dyes from school lunches, mandated physical fitness exams for school children, and made the controversial, supposed COVID-19 treatment Ivermectin more accessible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sam Newton, communications director for the Democratic Governors Association, told the <em>Washington Examiner <\/em>that the Republicans\u2019 dearth of policy on these key problems will hinder Lahn\u2019s ability to build trust with voters. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAfter a decade of one-party rule, Kim Reynolds and her allies like Zach Lahn own the state\u2019s water problems and highest rate of cancer growth in the country,\u201d Newton said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand speaks during a campaign rally, Sunday, June 7, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo\/Charlie Neibergall)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"h-competing-agendas-to-make-iowa-healthy-again\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Competing agendas to make Iowa healthy again<\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both Lahn and Sand have agenda items that appeal to central themes of the MAHA movement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lahn\u2019s messaging has <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zachlahn.com\/policy\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.zachlahn.com\/policy\">mirrored that of Trump<\/a> on health issues and other policies, such as prohibiting Chinese nationals from owning farmland and using tax credits to benefit Iowans rather than out-of-state corporations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But he also says he intends to <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >hold \u201cmonopolistic agriculture input companies\u201d accountable<\/a>, incentivize farmers to address the water contamination problem, and direct the University of Iowa to ramp up cancer research.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kollin Crompton, communications director for the Republican Governors Association, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> that Lahn \u201cunderstands Iowans are not an afterthought.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHis Iowa First platform tackles the cancer crisis from every angle: what farmers are exposed to, what families are drinking, and what is in their food,\u201d Crompton said. \u201cThat is the MAHA mission. Republicans are taking action. Rob Sand and Democrats are all talk.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sand\u2019s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/robsand.com\/issues\/healthier-iowa\/\">Healthier Iowa for All initiative<\/a>, published after Lahn began making a name for himself as the MAHA candidate, presents a detailed outline of investing in regenerative agriculture programs to make farming more sustainable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He, like Lahn, also insists that Bayer and other chemical companies must not escape legal liability if their products increase users\u2019 risks of developing cancer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sand\u2019s proposal differs from Lahn\u2019s in that he intends to \u201cincrease funding for aggressive water quality monitoring and farmer-led water quality programs.\u201d That <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/ireland-is-burning-who-will-be-next\/\" title=\"Ireland ablaze. Who&#039;s next?\">includes implementing stricter regulations<\/a> on how the cattle industry in Iowa handles manure. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The DGA\u2019s Newton said Sand is the only one with the track record to implement plans to improve Iowa\u2019s overall health, especially water quality. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRob Sand has a proven record of delivering change as state auditor and prosecutor, and he is the only independent voice who can be trusted to take on the status quo,\u201d Newton said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/healthcare\/4599849\/food-industry-transparency-efforts-maha\/\"><strong>FOOD INDUSTRY HOPES TRANSPARENCY EFFORTS WILL APPEASE MAHA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Centers, the GOP strategist, said it is too early to tell which health message will appeal to voters more in the general election.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re going to find out come November which candidate Iowans believe is best suited to tackle that challenge, and what proposed solutions they believe in are best for Iowans and our public health,\u201d Centers said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Iowa voters focus on health issues in upcoming election<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2666,"featured_media":2614114,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-collage-t616ew8bl-1781284537499-e1781290139698.jpg?1781275845&amp;w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[51159,81199,5626,33387,32068],"class_list":["post-2614113","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-gubernatorial-election","tag-health-initiative","tag-iowa","tag-political-campaign","tag-public-health"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/image-collage-t616ew8bl-1781284537499-e1781290139698.jpg?1781275845&amp;w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2614113","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2666"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2614113"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2614113\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2614117,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2614113\/revisions\/2614117"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2614114"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2614113"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2614113"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2614113"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}