Podcast appearances and mentions of randy feenstra

It's Tuesday, June 9th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Vietnamese Communists have imprisoned 57 Christians Religious freedom is tenuous in Vietnam.  That's the subject of a new report by International Christian Concern.   At last count, Vietnam has 57 unreleased religious prisoners, five of whom were subjected to government-initiated torture. Pastors and evangelists are imprisoned for what is called “undermining national unity policy” or “abusing democratic freedoms”, whatever that is.   And Christmas is a dangerous time for Vietnamese Christians. That's when arrests accelerate in the Central Highlands, especially for believers who are caught worshiping in churches unsponsored by the communist government. State Dept. weighs in on the murder of a Brit by a Sikh Tensions between the United States and the United Kingdom have increased over the killing of a Brit named Henry Nowak. Last December, he was killed by a Sikh, a son of an Indian immigrant. The murderer had falsely accused Nowak of a hate crime.  Sadly, the police chose to believe the murderer instead of the victim in the crime.   In response, the U.S. State Department issued a statement pointing out “ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing” as “glaring symptoms of civilizational decline” in the United Kingdom.   Vice President J.D. Vance also stated on social media that “Henry Nowak died the same way a civilization dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit.” Countries where the most Evangelicals live The most Evangelicals in the world live in -- you may have never guessed it -- China.    The Joshua Project puts China at the top with 106 million Evangelicals. The United States comes in second with 92 million Evangelicals. Then, comes Nigeria with 64 million, and Brazil with 53 million.   The other nations with the largest Evangelical populations include Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, and Uganda. Among the unreached nations of the world with the lowest Christian populations are these European countries: Austria, Finland, Greece, Greenland, Norway, and Sweden. Brazil's surge of Evangelicals and loss of Catholics Brazil has seen a surge of Evangelicals — now at 27%, up from 21.6% in 2010.  Brazil's atheist population grew from 8% to 9.3%. The nation's Roman Catholic population took the hit, losing about 8% since 2010. Catholics now represent only 56.7% of Brazilians. Catholicism made up 99% of the population back in 1890, according to the recently released Census of Traditional Peoples and Communities. New poll: America is viewed negatively America is viewed as increasingly unpopular worldwide while China is receiving higher marks for popular approval. Gallup's recent international poll found America at a 31% level vs. China's 36%.  That's the highest gap in history. America's net approval ratings have always dropped to the lowest levels in the history of the survey -- now at negative 15%. Trump's endorsed candidate for Iowa governor loses 8/10 of a point Iowa conservative Zach Lahn won the nomination for governor in a crowded Iowa GOP primary last week.  Lahn won his primary with just 38% of the vote — a close victory over Trump-endorsed Congressman Randy Feenstra, who earned 37.2% of the vote. Listen to the opening of Lahn's victory speech. LAHN: “I don't have to tell you this, but nobody thought this could be done. We were outspent, opposed by the establishment, told to wait our turn. Well, tonight the people of Iowa had something to say about that. We're not going to wait anymore!” (cheers) Lahn is a sixth generation Iowan who has spoken out against chemical manufacturers and Chinese land ownership here in the United States. Texas Rangers doesn't endorse homosexual pride month The LGBTQ and so-called “Pride Month” fervor has slowed greatly under the Trump administration, but not completely. Sports teams across the nation continue to celebrate Homosexual Pride Month. To their credit, the Texas Rangers are the only team in Major League Baseball to abstain from celebrating perverted lifestyles.  Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen opposes homosexual pride But some are still standing against homosexuality on a personal level.  Dodgers pitcher Blake Treinen was the only player on his team who did not appear on the field in a homosexual “Pride” hat last Friday, standing by his convictions. The Los Angeles Dodgers organization has been known to openly support homosexuality, transgenderism, and drag.  Influencer Jon Root praises Treinen's actions. He wrote, “While other professed Christians, Dodgers [shortstop] Mookie Betts and manager Dave Roberts wore [homosexual transgender] “pride” hats, only Blake Treinen, [the pitcher], refused. Don't bow down to the idols of our age, Christians. Stand firm like Treinen.” Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  Send a two-sentence thank you note to Blake Treinen for standing against the homosexual agenda. The address is Los Angeles Dodgers, 1000 Vin Scully Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Trump's $1.7 billion “anti-weaponization” fund shot down President Donald Trump's controversial $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund has been shot down by the courts and those within his own party. Several Republican senators objected to the newly created fund, which would have had taxpayers foot the bill and paid out victims of political persecution while also shielding the Trump family from federal tax review.  June 9th anniversary of Scottish missionary Columba And finally, on this date, June 9th, A.D. 597, the great Irish Christian missionary, Columba, went to be with the Lord. Columba, also known as Columcille, planted churches all over Scotland and established the famed missionary school on the isle of Iona in A.D. 563, a training ground for missionaries over the next several centuries.  Born around the year A.D. 521, Columba was in line to become a High King of Ireland, but chose to serve the Lord in foreign lands instead. Isaiah 52:7 states, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”  Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, June 9th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Timing is everything and every outcome in history is the result of timing. This hour SIMON talks to Hollywood film director ANTHONY MARAS about his new movie 'PRESSURE' and how the success of D-Day all came down to timing of weather. And later, SIMON talks to Sioux City native, & 4th Congressional District candidate, CHRIS MCGOWAN, about how the timing is just right for his anticipated win this fall to hold the seat for the GOP that is currently held by Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA.

This week on Purple Political Breakdown, Radell Lewis starts with the Meet the Press clip where President Trump claims he never guaranteed no new wars, and uses it to set the night's thread: every guardrail we built only works if somebody enforces it.Nuanced News runs that thread through four stories. The Iran and Israel escalation, and a ceasefire that is not really a ceasefire while missiles fly and warships and drones share the same strait. Bill Pulte handed acting Director of National Intelligence over eighteen agencies despite no intelligence background, through a Federal Vacancies Reform Act loophole that turns Senate confirmation into a workaround. A federal judge in Rhode Island striking down the asylum freeze in a 135-page opinion while the Senate moves roughly 70 billion dollars in enforcement. And the White House media offenders page, plus a list naming individual journalists and creators, as a First Amendment story that should worry you no matter your party.Research on a Dime is an elections roundup: the California governor primary (Becerra advances while Hilton and Steyer fight for second, with a wealth tax proxy war on the November ballot), the Los Angeles mayor runoff (Bass advances, then Nithya Raman advances against Spencer Pratt), the Graham Platner controversies in Maine, Iowa (Zach Lahn beats Trump-backed Randy Feenstra, so vote Rob Sand), and the Alabama congressional map. Breakdown in the Public takes on the affordability squeeze and the single-villain stories both parties keep selling. We close with good news: a pancreatic cancer breakthrough called daraxonrasib, sodium batteries as a low-cost rival to lithium, and a nonprofit wiping out medical debt for about 97,000 Connecticut residents.Listen now and find the show on the Alive Podcast Network and at purplepoliticalbreakdown.com.[Paste the Apple Podcasts episode link here before publishing.]Standard Resource Links and Recommendations (verbatim block)Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKCheck Out the Podcast Website: https://www.purplepoliticalbreakdown.comALIVE Podcast Network: Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices.Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn: A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. 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We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics, where we find common ground in the middle! Also if you want to be apart of the community and the conversation make sure to Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/ptPAsZtHC9

Iowa Republicans picked Zach Lahn over the Trump-backed Randy Feenstra in the gubernatorial primary. Lahn's a farmer who spoke about the pain of high fertilizer prices and cancer caused by pesticides, earning him support from the MAHA. Was this some rebuke of Trump, or just voters looking for the right person to make their lives better? Critics say ICE detainees face horrific conditions. Trump won over a lot of voters arguing that tough immigration policies were needed to keep the country safe. Does what's unfolding at these detention centers cross a line? Plus, the President's short-lived Anti-Weaponization Fund seems to be dead, and one listener asks when AI political ads cross a line. Producer: Leo DuranHost: David Greene Guests:  Mo Elleithee, executive director at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service - @MoElleithee Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch - @whignewtons

The Iowa primary is in the books, and Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson are back in the Hendrickson Library to break it all down. The headliner on the Republican side was the governor's race, where Zach Lahn edged out Congressman Randy Feenstra 38% to 37.2% — a razor-thin margin that nonetheless produced a clear nominee. Chris and John unpack what drove Lahn's late momentum, why Feenstra came up short despite his early advantages in money and name recognition, and what the rapid consolidation of Republican support behind Lahn says about where the party is headed.On the Senate side, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson dispatched Jim Carlin nearly 3-to-1 and enters the general as a formidable candidate. Democrats nominated Josh Turek over Zach Walz in a race that revealed the Schumer establishment's continued grip on the party machinery — and Chris and John assess whether Turek's positioning as a centrist will hold up under general election scrutiny. A handful of hotly contested legislative primaries also drew attention, including the upset loss of Rep. Jane Bloomingdale, the strong win by taxpayer champion Mike Bussell, and the survival of two incumbent senators despite well-funded challenges.Looking ahead to November, Chris and John preview what shapes up as a genuinely competitive fall cycle — a challenging environment for Republicans given the historical headwinds of a second presidential midterm, but one where Iowa's Republican registration advantage and strong candidates at the top of the ticket keep the outcome far from predetermined. The Lahn vs. Rob Sand governor's race figures to be a substantive, issues-driven campaign, and both hosts are eager to see the two square off in debates. Water quality, foreign land ownership, and school choice are among the issues likely to take center stage.Before closing, Chris flags a critically important ballot measure Iowa voters will decide this fall: a proposed constitutional amendment requiring a two-thirds supermajority of the legislature to raise taxes. This is a major ITR priority. With states like Illinois and Colorado moving in the opposite direction — raising income taxes and eyeing progressive tax structures — Iowa has an opportunity to lock in a foundational taxpayer protection. Chris and John will have much more to say on this in the weeks and months ahead.

Steve says there are eight things the American Right can learn from Zach Lahn's massive gubernatorial primary upset against Trump-endorsed Randy Feenstra. Then, the team plays a game of Buy, Sell, or Hold. Daniel Horowitz joins the program for his septennial message of celebration and happiness. TODAY'S SPONSORS: PREBORN: https://give.preborn.com/preborn/media-partner?sc=IABSD0123RA SMARTCREDIT: https://join.smartcredit.com/steve/?pid=16047&sid=podcast&aid=steve&cid=adcology CHIRP: https://gochirp.com/pages/steve-deace use promo code STEVE CHEF IQ: https://chefiq.com/ use promo code STEVE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lahn, Scott Pelley, Bill Pulte, and the California jungle primary headline today's A.M. Update. In a photo finish, businessman Zach Lahn defeats Trump-endorsed congressman Randy Feenstra in Iowa's Republican gubernatorial primary by less than a percentage point, and Aaron says the MAHA coalition was the deciding factor. California's jungle primary has Steve Hilton leading the Republican pack while Tom Steyer and Xavier Becerra close strong on the Democratic side, raising the possibility that two Democrats could end up in the general. Trump names FHFA director Bill Pulte as acting DNI to replace Tulsi Gabbard, a pick Aaron notes will have trouble clearing the Senate. Scott Pelley is fired at CBS after going nuclear on Bari Weiss in front of the entire 60 Minutes staff, calling her a murderer of the show, and Aaron sides with Weiss. The Supreme Court clears Alabama to use its redrawn congressional districts, Mehmet Oz announces $50 Medicare GLP-1 coverage starting July 1st, and Aaron closes with Indiana Governor Mike Braun's nuclear family month proclamation and a viral video of a corporate employee who submitted a biblical take on pride to his company's own open-call campaign, after which the entire program was quietly shut down.

Iowa delivered the biggest surprise of the 2026 primary cycle as a Trump-backed candidate, Randy Feenstra, lost for the first time, while Chuck Schumer's Senate pick, Josh Turek, won comfortably. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dive into all the results from Iowa and New Jersey, and try to make sense of Bill Pulte's sudden move from housing chief to acting Director of National Intelligence.

STEVE KING, former Iowa Congressman and long time friend of the show, gives SIMON his analysis of last night's surprising win by political newcomer, ZACH LAHN, over Trump-endorsed and expected frontrunner, Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA.

Chuck Todd walks through a primary night that was, in his words, a really good night for Democrats — and one that may have just answered whether 2026 is shaping up as a genuine blue wave. The night's biggest single story came out of Iowa, where Zach Lahn pulled off a stunning upset of Randy Feenstra in what Chuck characterizes as a "MAHA vs. MAGA" race — Trump endorsed the establishment Feenstra and lost, which Chuck predicts will drive the president absolutely nuts. Iowa Democrats also got a substantial ticket boost when Josh Turek blew out Zach Wahls in the Senate primary, and combined with the surprisingly strong gubernatorial candidacy of Rob Sand, Iowa is now the cleanest test case in the country for whether the political wind has truly shifted — a right-leaning state where the politics are visibly in flux. Chuck flags that Lahn can probably be painted as too far right in a general, that having "congressman" as your first name has become a real disadvantage in 2026, and that the night was an unambiguous positive for Democrats nationally. He also walks through results elsewhere: New Jersey's seventh district will see Tom Keane (still mysteriously MIA from his own campaign) face Rebecca Bennett; South Dakota's gubernatorial race is headed to its first-ever runoff after four candidates each cleared 20%, and Deb Haaland is on track to become the first Native American woman governor in U.S. history. The conversation then turns to California, where Chuck warns it will be days before we have full primary results but where turnout is already on pace to exceed 2022. He cautions viewers about the inevitable early "red mirage" from the mail-vote curve, predicts Hilton has enough of a lead over Steyer that he likely survives, and argues Xavier Becerra would much rather face Hilton than Steyer in a general — though a potential scandal is looming over Becerra that could reshape the whole race. Chuck argues a Becerra-Hilton race would be a conventional Democrat-versus-Republican contest, that Steyer has spent $500 million across his last two campaigns and still has a low ceiling because he's created a genuine sense of voter exhaustion, and that the single most fascinating race in the state right now is CA-06 and Kevin Kiley. The Los Angeles mayoral picture is clarifying too: Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt appear set to advance, which Todd argues is exactly what Bass wanted — it will be far easier to turn Pratt into a Trump acolyte in a general election than to face the formidable Nithya Raman. He notes that Matt Mahan became known as "big tech's candidate" in ways that genuinely hurt him, and closes with one to watch in Montana, where independent Seth Bodner is quietly hoping the Democratic candidate eventually bows out so he can consolidate the anti-incumbent vote into a real challenge. Then, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings — the former Orlando police chief turned local executive who is now running for governor of Florida — joins the Chuck Toddcast for a candid conversation about the challenges of being a Democrat in modern Florida and the lessons his unusual career path (accountant, then cop, then mayor) brings to executive leadership. Demings reveals that Governor Ron DeSantis personally threatened to remove him from office over his opposition to ICE operations in Orange County, and uses that experience as the entry point to a broader discussion about what's gone wrong with American law enforcement. He argues you cannot solve police shortages by lowering recruiting standards — exactly what he says ICE did when it ramped up so quickly that screening and training went out the window, with the predictable consequence that ICE has now begun poaching trained officers from state and local departments. Demings makes the case that we have to get criminals off the streets but it has to be done lawfully, that state law enforcement should not be doing immigration work, and that being elected sheriff as a partisan position creates real tensions because the actual responsibilities of the job aren't partisan at all. He pushes back on the idea that he's running to be a "performance politician" and frames his candidacy as wanting to bring competent local-government experience to a state level that he says is suffering from leaders chasing viral moments rather than delivering services. The conversation turns to the structural challenges facing Florida and the deeper question of why Democrats can't win statewide in a state that's growing more diverse by the year. Demings argues Florida's underpaid state legislators simply don't attract quality talent, that many longtime Florida Democrats have left the party out of pure frustration, and that the party's central task is to restore basic public belief in government's capacity to function. He's willing to give DeSantis credit for diversifying and growing Florida's economy, but argues the state needs to find efficiencies rather than continually burdening local governments with expenses it should be covering itself — and points to slashed state mental health funding as a direct driver of the violent crime he sees in his community. Demings is sharp on Florida's climate exposure, arguing the state is building in places it absolutely should not be building, and that hurricane-hardened construction standards need a major overhaul, He flags the NAACP's call for athletes to avoid schools in remapping states as the kind of extreme response that extreme government actions inevitably provoke, and warns that the politics of division are starting to genuinely threaten Florida's tourism economy — meaning the state's longtime economic engine may finally be running into the consequences of the culture wars its leaders have spent the past decade fueling. Finally, Chuck presents his ToddCast Top 5 list of instances that Republicans have rebuked Donald Trump in his second term, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Tuesday was a REALLY good night for Democrats nationally 01:30 Tom Keane still MIA, will face Rebecca Bennett in NJ-07 04:00 Iowa results made Democratic ticket substantially stronger 04:30 Josh Turek blew out Zach Wahls in Iowa 05:30 Biggest upset of the night was Zach Lahn beating Randy Feenstra 08:15 Lahn vs. Feenstra was a MAHA vs. MAGA race 08:45 Iowa is a right leaning state, but the state’s politics are in flux 09:45 Having a first name of “congressman” is a major disadvantage 11:30 Rob Sand is a very strong Democratic candidate for governor in Iowa 13:15 It’s possible Lahn can be painted as too far to the right 14:15 Iowa will be the test of whether 2026 is a blue wave election 15:30 Iowa was a huge positive development for team blue 16:45 Trump endorsing Feenstra then losing will drive Trump nuts 19:00 South Dakota governor’s race headed to runoff for first time 20:45 Four candidates in SD gubernatorial race received 20% of vote 23:00 Voters keep rewarding political bomb throwers 24:00 Trump endorsed the least Trump-like candidate, voters chose the Trumpy one 25:00 Deb Haaland on track to be the first Native American woman governor 25:30 It will be days before we know the full results of California primaries 27:30 California turnout will exceed turnout in 2022 28:30 Early on there will be a red mirage in California due to early vote 31:00 Hilton has enough of a lead over Steyer that he likely hangs on 32:15 Becerra would rather run against Hilton than Steyer 32:45 Steyer has created a sense of exhaustion 33:45 A Becerra v Hilton race would be a conventional D vs. R race 34:15 Potential scandal looms over Becerra 35:45 Most fascinating race is CA-06 and Kevin Kiley 38:15 It looks like Karen Bass & Spencer Pratt will move on in LA mayoral 40:30 It will be easier for Bass to turn Pratt into a Trump acolyte than face Raman 41:45 Steyer has a low ceiling, and has spent $500M in last two campaigns 43:30 Matt Mahan became known as “big tech’s candidate” and that hurt him 46:00 Independent Seth Bodner hoping Democratic candidate bows out in Montana 54:30 Jerry Demings joins the Chuck ToddCast 55:30 How did you go from accountant to police to mayor? 56:45 Accounting background helped with managing the city budget 58:00 How has Orlando changed since the time you were a police officer in the 80s? 59:30 Working on police reform both locally and nationally 1:00:45 Should the focus for police be better recruiting or better training? 1:01:30 Lowering recruiting standards can’t be the answer to police shortages 1:02:15 ICE was forced to ramp up so fast they didn’t screen or train recruits properly 1:03:45 We have to get criminals off the street, but it has be done lawfully 1:04:30 What were the unintended consequences of ICE’s questionable recruitment? 1:05:45 ICE began poaching state and local police officers 1:07:45 Should county sheriff be an elected position? 1:09:00 Political considerations do enter the equation when you’re elected 1:10:30 Size of jurisdiction does matter when it comes to appointed vs. elected 1:11:30 Sheriff is elected as a partisan position, but the responsibilities aren’t partisan 1:12:30 Why did you want to run for governor? 1:15:00 Want to take experience at local level government to a larger level 1:15:45 Ron DeSantis threatened to remove him over opposition to ICE 1:18:30 How would you work with the Republican dominated legislature? 1:20:30 Republicans have a large voter registration advantage in Florida 1:21:45 Not interested in being a performance politician 1:23:00 Why have Democrats been unable to elect a governor in Florida? 1:23:30 Florida’s legislators are underpaid, don’t attract quality talent 1:25:15 Many Florida Democrats left the party due to their frustration 1:27:00 Democrats need to restore belief in government 1:28:30 What has Ron DeSantis done right? Diversified & grown the economy 1:30:45 Does Florida need more tax revenue and how do you acquire it? 1:32:30 Government should always look to find inefficiencies & fix them 1:33:30 The state keeps burdening local governments with expenses 1:35:00 State has slashed funding for mental health, leading to violent crime 1:38:00 There is a lot of fraudulent claims made in Florida, state bad at investigating 1:39:00 State law enforcement shouldn’t be doing immigration enforcement 1:39:45 Florida is building in places they shouldn’t be, not factoring climate change 1:40:45 Florida should be hardening their building and infrastructure 1:42:00 Should Florida ban manufactured housing? 1:43:15 Florida needs housing construction standards that make sense 1:44:30 NAACP calling on athletes to not attend schools in remapping states 1:45:30 Extreme actions by the government elicit extreme responses 1:47:30 Tourism in Florida is being threatened by politics 1:49:45 Politics is dividing people by racial lines 1:51:45 Chuck’s thoughts on interview with Jerry Demings 1:53:45 DeSantis trying to ram through property tax cut before November 1:55:45 Trump replacing Tulsi Gabbard with Bill Pulte for DNI 1:56:45 Republicans immediately starting pushing back on Pulte as nominee 1:58:15 No need for NDI. CIA has won the intel agency turf battle 1:59:00 Bill Pulte makes Tulsi Gabbard look qualified for DNI role 2:01:15 ToddCast Top 5 instances Republicans successfully rebuked Trump 2:01:30 #5 The Epstein files 2:03:00 #4 Trump’s threat to take over Greenland 2:04:00 #3 Fed chair Jay Powell 2:05:15 #2 Matt Gaetz nomination for AG 2:07:15 #1 Death of Trump’s anti-weaponization slush fund 2:13:00 Ask Chuck 2:13:15 Thoughts on potential reforms, how realistic are they? 2:20:30 Why do you call Democrats the party that’s held to a higher standard? 2:24:15 Do you see Wes Moore as a top Democratic contender in ‘28? 2:29:15 Is Mike Johnson’s speakership at risk? Would he be the minority leader? 2:31:30 Can Keir Starmer survive as PM? Will Nigel Farage be PM? 2:36:30 Do you think a more virtual governance model rather than in-person would work? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck Todd walks through a primary night that was, in his words, a really good night for Democrats — and one that may have just answered whether 2026 is shaping up as a genuine blue wave. The night's biggest single story came out of Iowa, where Zach Lahn pulled off a stunning upset of Randy Feenstra in what Chuck characterizes as a "MAHA vs. MAGA" race — Trump endorsed the establishment Feenstra and lost, which Chuck predicts will drive the president absolutely nuts. Iowa Democrats also got a substantial ticket boost when Josh Turek blew out Zach Wahls in the Senate primary, and combined with the surprisingly strong gubernatorial candidacy of Rob Sand, Iowa is now the cleanest test case in the country for whether the political wind has truly shifted — a right-leaning state where the politics are visibly in flux. Chuck flags that Lahn can probably be painted as too far right in a general, that having "congressman" as your first name has become a real disadvantage in 2026, and that the night was an unambiguous positive for Democrats nationally. He also walks through results elsewhere: New Jersey's seventh district will see Tom Keane (still mysteriously MIA from his own campaign) face Rebecca Bennett; South Dakota's gubernatorial race is headed to its first-ever runoff after four candidates each cleared 20%, and Deb Haaland is on track to become the first Native American woman governor in U.S. history. The conversation then turns to California, where Chuck warns it will be days before we have full primary results but where turnout is already on pace to exceed 2022. He cautions viewers about the inevitable early "red mirage" from the mail-vote curve, predicts Hilton has enough of a lead over Steyer that he likely survives, and argues Xavier Becerra would much rather face Hilton than Steyer in a general — though a potential scandal is looming over Becerra that could reshape the whole race. Chuck argues a Becerra-Hilton race would be a conventional Democrat-versus-Republican contest, that Steyer has spent $500 million across his last two campaigns and still has a low ceiling because he's created a genuine sense of voter exhaustion, and that the single most fascinating race in the state right now is CA-06 and Kevin Kiley. The Los Angeles mayoral picture is clarifying too: Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt appear set to advance, which Todd argues is exactly what Bass wanted — it will be far easier to turn Pratt into a Trump acolyte in a general election than to face the formidable Nithya Raman. He notes that Matt Mahan became known as "big tech's candidate" in ways that genuinely hurt him, and closes with one to watch in Montana, where independent Seth Bodner is quietly hoping the Democratic candidate eventually bows out so he can consolidate the anti-incumbent vote into a real challenge. Finally, Chuck presents his ToddCast Top 5 list of instances that Republicans have rebuked Donald Trump in his second term, and answers listeners’ questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment. Predict the action all the way through the finals. Sign up now for your twenty-five dollar bonus on https://fanduel.com/predicts Link in bio or go to https://getsoul.com & enter code TODDCAST for 30% off your first order. Thank you Wildgrain for sponsoring. Visit http://wildgrain.com/TODDCAST and use the code "TODDCAST" at checkout to receive $30 off your first box PLUS free Croissants for life! Timeline: (Timestamps may vary based on advertisements) 00:00 Chuck Todd’s introduction 01:00 Tuesday was a REALLY good night for Democrats nationally 01:30 Tom Keane still MIA, will face Rebecca Bennett in NJ-07 04:00 Iowa results made Democratic ticket substantially stronger 04:30 Josh Turek blew out Zach Wahls in Iowa 05:30 Biggest upset of the night was Zach Lahn beating Randy Feenstra 08:15 Lahn vs. Feenstra was a MAHA vs. MAGA race 08:45 Iowa is a right leaning state, but the state’s politics are in flux 09:45 Having a first name of “congressman” is a major disadvantage 11:30 Rob Sand is a very strong Democratic candidate for governor in Iowa 13:15 It’s possible Lahn can be painted as too far to the right 14:15 Iowa will be the test of whether 2026 is a blue wave election 15:30 Iowa was a huge positive development for team blue 16:45 Trump endorsing Feenstra then losing will drive Trump nuts 19:00 South Dakota governor’s race headed to runoff for first time 20:45 Four candidates in SD gubernatorial race received 20% of vote 23:00 Voters keep rewarding political bomb throwers 24:00 Trump endorsed the least Trump-like candidate, voters chose the Trumpy one 25:00 Deb Haaland on track to be the first Native American woman governor 25:30 It will be days before we know the full results of California primaries 27:30 California turnout will exceed turnout in 2022 28:30 Early on there will be a red mirage in California due to early vote 31:00 Hilton has enough of a lead over Steyer that he likely hangs on 32:15 Becerra would rather run against Hilton than Steyer 32:45 Steyer has created a sense of exhaustion 33:45 A Becerra v Hilton race would be a conventional D vs. R race 34:15 Potential scandal looms over Becerra 35:45 Most fascinating race is CA-06 and Kevin Kiley 38:15 It looks like Karen Bass & Spencer Pratt will move on in LA mayoral 40:30 It will be easier for Bass to turn Pratt into a Trump acolyte than face Raman 41:45 Steyer has a low ceiling, and has spent $500M in last two campaigns 43:30 Matt Mahan became known as “big tech’s candidate” and that hurt him 46:00 Independent Seth Bodner hoping Democratic candidate bows out in Montana 54:15 Trump replacing Tulsi Gabbard with Bill Pulte for DNI 55:15 Republicans immediately starting pushing back on Pulte as nominee 56:45 No need for NDI. CIA has won the intel agency turf battle 57:30 Bill Pulte makes Tulsi Gabbard look qualified for DNI role 59:45 ToddCast Top 5 instances Republicans successfully rebuked Trump 1:00:00 #5 The Epstein files 1:01:30 #4 Trump’s threat to take over Greenland 1:02:30 #3 Fed chair Jay Powell 1:03:45 #2 Matt Gaetz nomination for AG 1:05:45 #1 Death of Trump’s anti-weaponization slush fund 1:11:30 Ask Chuck 1:11:45 Thoughts on potential reforms, how realistic are they? 1:19:00 Why do you call Democrats the party that’s held to a higher standard? 1:22:45 Do you see Wes Moore as a top Democratic contender in ‘28? 1:27:45 Is Mike Johnson’s speakership at risk? Would he be the minority leader? 1:30:00 Can Keir Starmer survive as PM? Will Nigel Farage be PM? 1:35:00 Do you think a more virtual governance model rather than in-person would work?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Graham Platner, Trevor Williams, and Jill Biden headline today's A.M. Update. Trump tells Lara Trump the Iran deal is close but if it falls apart the Department of War starts back up, while Scott Bessent defines finishing the job as simply reopening the Strait and keeping uranium out of Iranian hands. Anti-Antifa rioters attack police on horseback outside the Delaney Hall ICE facility in Newark as Mayor Ras Baraka finally imposes a curfew. The Washington Nationals fire director of community relations Sean Hudson after an O'Keefe Media Group sting catches him admitting the team deliberately excluded Catholic pitcher Trevor Williams from social media because of his faith. Graham Platner's Senate campaign in Maine adds another scandal as his wife confirms reports that she told the campaign about his sexually explicit texts with other women. Jill Biden smirks through a CBS interview claiming she saw no signs of cognitive decline in her husband. Aaron closes with a deeply personal look at the Iowa governor's race, where Trump's surprise endorsement of Randy Feenstra set Turning Point Action against the White House, and why losing Charlie Kirk means there is nobody left to broker that conversation. Subscribe and listen every weekday morning.

A big explosion rocked Florida and a big endorsement rocked Iowa and SIMON talks about both this hour! Last night in Florida the Blue Origin rocket exploded on the launch pad during testing. AstroClay, our favorite astronaut, CLAY ANDERSON tells SIMON what this means for the future of the moon program. Later and for the 2nd time this week, SIMON has Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA live in-studio but this time they discuss the President's announcement this afternoon when he endorsed Congressman Feenstra to be Iowa's next Governor. SIMON doesn't usually belive endorsements matter but this one is different. POTUS is 118-0 for winning endorsements so far. Will his streak hold true on Tuesday?

Randy Feenstra, Republican candidate for Iowa Governor and 4th District US Congressman, talks about key issues including tax reform, health care, education, economic growth, agriculture, keeping young people in the state, carbon pipelines, immigration, and China relations. He also discusses his reasons for running, background and experience, top three priorities, most significant endorsements, and closing statement on why he deserves your vote.

Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA received the endorsement of President Trump today to be Iowa's next Governor. He's back in the studio live today to talk to SIMON about his phone call with the President and what he's focused on in these final few days before polls open on Primary day.

Iowa Democrats are talking to the DNC today about changing the caucus process. The governor has signed a bill into law that will provide funding for pediatric cancer research. And Republican candidate for governor Randy Feenstra shares why he hasn't been going to debates.

To be Governor or not to be Governor, that is the question his hour but only for 1 of these 2 guests because one of them already IS Governor! This hour SIMON talks to Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA about his campaign to be Iowa's next Governor. Later, SIMON and Governor KIM REYNOLDS discuss the bills she's signed recently, what she was happy to see come to her desk and what she plans to do after leaving office.

Congressman RANDY FEENSTRA was live in-studio with SIMON to share why he wants to be Iowa's next Governor.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast, we take a peek inside the latest round of fundraising by Iowa's gubernatorial candidates, one last debate in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, and the latest on a Western Iowa native's testimony about Jeffrey Epstein.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette social video producer Bailey Cichon.Read stories mentioned in this week's episode:(2:09) Ted Waitt said he found Epstein 'off-putting'; wasn't aware of wrongdoing by Maxwell(9:27) Zach Lahn tops Randy Feenstra in latest fundraising for Iowa Republican governor hopefuls(24:35) Zach Wahls, Josh Turek debate electability, policy in lead-up to primary(28:20) Opinion: Chuck Schumer looms over Iowa Democratic Senate primary

The Iowa Primary is coming up on June 2nd. Josiah has been a low information voter this year, so Justin Comer from Rock Hard Caucus is here to tell him who to vote for.Follow Justin on Bluesky @justinkcomer.rockhardcauc.usCheck out Rock Hard Caucus: rockhardcauc.usBecome a Fruitless Patron here: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=11922141Check out Fruitless on YouTubeFind more of Josiah's work: https://linktr.ee/josiahwsuttonFollow Josiah on Twitter @josiahwsuttonMusic & Audio creditsFeel - NoCopyrightMusicBass - NoCopyrightMusicYesterday – bloom."Josh Turek - Underdog," Josh Turek on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCD3vVVAa7U"I'm Running for U.S. Senate," Zach Wahls for Iowa on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLlwK00ol_I"Ashley Hinson for Congress - WATCH IT," Ashley Hinson on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNSd0px_96Q"Sen. Joni Ernst defends Medicaid cuts, says 'well, we all are going to die'," Associated Press on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVxh7-_fkvg"2014, Joni Ernst - Squeal - political ad - closed captioned," Captioning for Everyone on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc8uLuHsNw0"Sarah Trone Garriott 2024," Sarah Trone Garriott on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hon2AI7E8CE"Bohannan: Doing What's Right," Bohannan for Congress on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzZSYtSCJew"President Biden: I'm staying in the race!," C-SPAN on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk10PQ_h2io"Feenstra Formally Launches Campaign for Governor of Iowa," Feenstra for Governor on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLmqUgPTHuA"Good vs. Evil," Adam Steen for Governor on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAc6-rAYrvY"Zach Lahn - Defend our Land," Zach Lahn for Governor on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-DBn5FBN4o"Stealing is Bad - Rob Sand for Iowa," Rob Sand on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUiHlQRxPDcRob Sand's legalization ad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/4850102835216495In My Dreams - bloom. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Today’s guest is Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-R). He is a member of the House Agriculture [...]

Iowa environmental groups are suing the EPA over its decision to remove some Iowa waterways from the Impaired Waters List. Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Josh Turek and Zach Wahls had their second debate last night. And some voters aren't convinced Congressman Randy Feenstra is guaranteed to be the Republican candidate for governor.

What's the future of Iowa? What is best for it's citizens? SIMON talks to two people that have plans and visions, CONGRESSMAN RANDY FEENSTRA and later KENT STRANG, the Managing Director of Americans for Prosperity.

SIMON talks both Federal and State issues with CONGRESSMAN RANDY FEENSTRA who is currently in Congress but also running to be Iowa's next Governor.

Iowa's conservative tax reform story didn't happen by accident — and Governor Kim Reynolds made that crystal clear at the annual ITR/NFIB Tax Day Luncheon in Des Moines. With roughly 200 attendees packing the Hilton downtown, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson recap what the governor had to say about Iowa's decade-long transformation from one of the worst tax climates in the country to one of the best. From income tax reform to inheritance tax elimination to government efficiency, Reynolds made the case that Iowa's success is a model for the nation — and that the secret ingredient has always been fiscal discipline alongside the tax cuts, not instead of them.The numbers back it up. New IRS migration data for 2023 shows red states gained $37.2 billion in adjusted gross income and nearly 500,000 new tax filers, while blue states lost $41 billion and over 500,000 filers. Iowa is part of that story. Meanwhile, Washington State — which had no income tax — just enacted a 9.9% rate, and companies like Starbucks are already eyeing exits. Chris and John break down what this means for Iowa's competitive position and why the fiscal foundation Reynolds built is what makes continued reform possible.Property taxes are the unfinished business of Iowa's reform era, and Governor Reynolds called it plainly at the luncheon: it's the last big thing she wants to get done before leaving office. With the House, Senate, and governor each carrying a bill and session winding down, Chris and John dig into the state of negotiations — the 2% cap, growth factors, TIF reform, SAVE fund acceleration, and the importance of making sure whatever passes actually limits spending. The point is made clearly: if local governments can simply raise franchise fees, increase bonding, or find other workarounds, the reform won't deliver real relief to Iowa taxpayers.The governor's race got a quick update, with Congressman Randy Feenstra on television making the case for continuing to lower — and eventually eliminate — Iowa's income tax, Adam Steen hitting the mail, and Zach Lahn running a statewide tour focused on land ownership issues. The ITR Local Government Symposium is coming this summer — details ahead at taxrelief.org. Like and subscribe to ITR Live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, and share the show with someone who cares about Iowa taxes.00:00 Welcome & Intro00:58 Tax Day Luncheon Recap02:38 Trivia Question03:59 Iowa Tax Reform Legacy07:34 Fiscal Discipline & Tax Cuts11:16 Red State Migration Data14:20 Reynolds on Property Taxes16:01 Property Tax Cap Negotiations20:00 Local Government Efficiency23:05 Spending Cap Loopholes Warning27:46 Taxpayer Voice at the Capitol29:14 Governor's Race Update31:40 Feenstra on Income Tax33:45 One Size Fits All Debate38:22 Closing

Commercial drivers would have to pass an English proficiency test under a bill. Republican candidate for governor Randy Feenstra says he wants to lower the state income tax even more. And will federal funds for rural health care be enough to offset losses from Medicaid cuts?

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, we'll cover the second legislative funnel deadline, but we also have big news on the 2026 campaign trail with candidate signatures and everyone's favorite On Iowa Politics podcast topic: endorsements!This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read articles mentioned in this episode:4:58 Iowa Ombudsman: Scott County Jail allowed woman to bang head against cell wall for hours https://qctimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_d217be28-d56b-4d5d-b12a-66666f81877e.html9:18 Family Leader endorses Adam Steen for Iowa governor in GOP primary https://www.thegazette.com/news/politics/campaign-almanac-family-leader-endorses-adam-steen-for-iowa-governor-in-gop-primary/article_63311a94-0b5e-4724-9670-56e6683849fc.htmlBranstad: I'm endorsing Randy Feenstra for governor https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/guest-columnists/branstad-i-m-endorsing-randy-feenstra-for-governor/article_7173b910-7ccf-4dbc-a3fd-658e3c0e2bc0.html21:44 Stauch fails to qualify for gubernatorial election ballot, clearing Sand's path to Democratic nomination https://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/stauch-fails-to-qualify-for-gubernatorial-election-ballot-clearing-sand-s-path-to-democratic-nomination/article_7123f925-e4e5-4e0a-8920-fb7913d53495.html26:56 Bills limiting Iowa governor's authority survive session deadlinehttps://www.thegazette.com/news/politics/bills-limiting-iowa-governor-s-authority-survive-session-deadline/article_e284e6ae-5a11-4c0a-8af3-3286e92ef9fb.html

Iowa's 2026 governor's race is already drawing national attention — and this week it got expensive. Randy Feenstra launched a seven-figure statewide TV ad tying Rob Sand to the open borders left and positioning himself as the candidate who will "stand tall" on immigration. Chris Hagenow and ITR Foundation Policy Director John Hendrickson break down what the ad signals about the Republican primary, why immigration has become a centerpiece issue, and what it means for Sand as he tries to stake out a centrist lane in a state that keeps moving right.Rob Sand made waves this week with a social media reel blasting Iowa's budget continuation bill (SF 2461) — accusing Republicans of lacking accountability, calling out Education Savings Account vendor Odyssey, and strongly implying that if elected governor he should have the authority to force a government shutdown over budget disputes. Chris and John unpack the reel line by line: is Sand calling for shutdown power, or is this just a fundraising play? And what does his continued focus on ESA "accountability" tell us about his general election strategy — and its risks?Iowa just became the first state in the nation to receive a federal education waiver under the Trump administration's "Returning Education to the States" initiative — unlocking a $9.5 million block grant that gives Iowa parents and local schools dramatically more flexibility over how federal education dollars are spent. ITR Foundation's John Hendrickson, who wrote the definitive piece on this development, explains what the waiver actually does, why education belongs at the state level under the 10th Amendment, and why Iowa's track record on school choice — from ESAs to open enrollment to charter schools — makes it the ideal proving ground for this new model.ITR Tax Day Luncheon — April 1, 2026 at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Governor Kim Reynolds will be the featured speaker. Tickets and details at ITRFoundation.org. If you enjoy ITR Live, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show — it helps us get the message out on the issues that matter most to Iowa taxpayers.0:00 - Welcome & Intro0:56 - Tax Day Luncheon Announcement (April 1 | Gov. Reynolds)1:41 - Trivia: The Only Man to Be Both Chief Justice and President5:27 - Feenstra Launches 7-Figure Ad in Iowa Governor's Race7:08 - Immigration as a Campaign Issue: Where Does Rob Sand Stand?12:12 - Rob Sand's Budget Reel: Shutdown Threat or Political Theater?15:11 - ESA Accountability Debate: Public Schools vs. Private Choice21:39 - Iowa Becomes First State to Win Federal Education Waiver28:26 - Why Education Belongs at the State Level (10th Amendment)31:38 - Outro & Where to Find ITR

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast: Gov. Kim Reynolds' private plane, republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra's ad buy and developments in property tax legislation at the Iowa Capitol.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:2:33 'A sobering reminder that our freedom is not free': Reynolds offers condolences to families of Iowa soldiers killed in Kuwaithttps://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_78ef53ac-082d-4c34-a069-8123d78393ce.html3:21 Kim Reynolds clearly has earned her wings https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/kim-reynolds-clearly-has-earned-her-wings/article_1e5a4c72-ea6b-5a1d-bb54-1dd8508f9458.html15:50 Feenstra campaign touts '7-figure ad buy' highlighting hiswork with Trump https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_4058ccee-5505-4e93-b51d-1b4da2a56e26.html20:57 First public hearing held on one of many bills designed toaddress Iowans' property taxeshttps://www.thegazette.com/news/first-public-hearing-held-on-one-of-many-bills-designed-to-address-iowans-property-taxes/article_d56c3479-2703-55f3-a57b-1ecbbb94631e.html25:36 ‘It is a total overhaul': Key Iowa Senate lawmaker adamanton passing property tax relief in 2026https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_8edb3dd2-94ed-4d90-8a1d-96a3cff362e3.html

Asking questions and looking for answers, that's what hour 2 is all about. SIMON asks CONGRESSMAN RANDY FEENSTRA all the questions he has asked of the other 4 Republican candidates running to be the next Governor of Iowa. Later, MICHAEL LETTS gives the latest update on the investigation into the kidnapping disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

SIMON asks CONGRESSMAN RANDY FEENSTRA the same questions he has asked the other candidates wanting to be the next Governor of Iowa.

2/13/2026 PODCAST Episodes #2296 GUESTS: Chris Saxman, Joe Mitchell, Randy Feenstra,  & The Iowa Gang+ YOUR CALLS! at 1-888-480-JOHN (5646) and GETTR Live! @jfradioshow #GodzillaOfTruth #TruckingTheTruth

Chris Hagenow is joined in-studio by returning guest Alan Ostergren for a wide-ranging episode that quickly locks onto the political backdrop shaping Iowa's 2026 cycle: money, organization, and the reality that statewide races are now fought on presidential-scale budgets and media saturation.They break down the latest Iowa campaign finance reports and what the numbers actually signal—especially on the Democrat side, where State Auditor Rob Sand is treated as the inevitable nominee and is sitting on an eye-popping cash position. Alan and Chris discuss how donor networks, list-building, national money, and burn rate matter just as much as topline fundraising totals, and why “grassroots” alone rarely reaches the low-information but reliable primary voter without paid media.On the Republican side, they walk through the emerging contours of the primary: Randy Feenstra's strong off-year fundraising position, the role of personal loans for late-entering candidates, and how consultant-heavy “Powerball ticket” spending can drain campaigns before the decisive stretch. The conversation also hits turnout dynamics and enthusiasm—why registration advantages can evaporate if one side is simply more motivated on Election Day.They then pivot to Minneapolis as a case study in governance: fraud, immigration enforcement, ICE operations, and protest tactics that escalate confrontation. The episode contrasts Minnesota's posture with Iowa's legal framework requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and closes with a lighter segment on Big Ten college football, NIL-era weirdness, and a quick Formula 1 primer (including a “Drive to Survive” recommendation).

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, the On Iowa Politics podcast team talks about two big topics on the new year's horizon: Iowa's gubernatorial campaign and the upcoming legislative session. Plus, the team does a little real estate-watching in Davenport.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Iowa Republicans will lose with Randy Feenstra: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/iowa-republicans-will-lose-with-randy-feenstra/Legislative Preview Series: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/Former Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake buys condo in Davenport: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/kari-lake-a-former-candidate-for-governor-and-senate-in-arizona-buys-condo-in-davenport/This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week, Iowa Democrats are divided over the caucuses, yet another multi-candidate event without Randy Feenstra, the Iowa Supreme Court sides with Rob Sand, and more.Read the articles mentioned in this episode:Iowa Supreme Court rules state auditor's office can represent itself in Davenport case: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0a490601-2683-42d4-99ee-c1e372078701.html Feenstra misses another Iowa GOP forum, gets criticized by Republicans and Dems: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_043d9e82-ee33-4e4b-90ce-4a58d6ba8307.html Party survey shows Iowa Democrats split on whether to 'go rogue' in 2028 nominating process: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_86f9a365-cf16-4739-87f9-5854a318994f.html Wendy Larson wins special election for Iowa House District 7: https://siouxcityjournal.com/search/#:~:text=Wendy%20Larson%20wins%20special%20election%20for%20Iowa%20House%20District%207 National Democrats set sights on Iowa Legislature in 2026: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-national-democrats-add-iowa-house-senate-to-2026-target-map/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This week on the podcast, the IPERS CEO talks about those DOGE recommendations, the Satanic Temple's display at the Iowa Capitol is back in the news, and Randy Feenstra addresses his lack of attendance at multi-candidate events.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.1:27 IPERS chief open to review, but urges caution on new retirement option: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/ipers-chief-open-to-review-but-urges-caution-on-new-retirement-option/6:56 Satanic Temple display at Iowa Capitol denied by state officials for second year in a row: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_789d171a-7efb-4d6e-a27d-c01bf56d4d82.html15:38 Feenstra says he plans to appear with other candidates at future GOP events: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_776156eb-90f5-4da2-8769-b7e837c21aa3.html22:25 Bettendorf parents, educators tell Iowa Democrats of chilling effect of Iowa laws: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_7e0d7fd1-c9dc-40a9-8f40-d634659fa10b.htmlThis episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

This week, we discuss Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks' fiery return to in-person town halls, Randy Feenstra's campaign launch for governor, how Iowa Democrats messaged on health care access in the final days of the shutdown, a recount in Davenport under Iowa's new recount laws, and a ruling from the Iowa Supreme Court in the Davenport building collapse case.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.Read stories featured in this episode:Booing, heckling and walkouts mark Miller-Meeks' town hall in Keosauqua: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/booing-heckling-and-walkouts-mark-miller-meeks-town-hall-in-keosauqua/Feenstra sets sights on Rob Sand at Sioux Center tour launch for governor: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/feenstra-sets-sights-on-rob-sand-at-sioux-center-tour-launch-for-governor/Iowa Democratic U.S. Senate candidates urge party to hold the line on health care subsidies: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/iowa-democratic-u-s-senate-candidates-urge-party-to-hold-the-line-on-health-care-subsidies/Scott County to recount Davenport City Council 7th Ward race:https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_939af492-dca0-4291-b326-590b42fe81ff.htmlIowa Supreme Court rules Davenport employees can be sued after 2023 building collapse: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/iowa-supreme-court-rules-davenport-employees-can-be-sued-after-2023-building-collapse/This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Get daily Iowa politics updates by signing up for the free On Iowa Politics Newsletter.Comments: tom.barton@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover everything from the latest developments in the 2026 Iowa governor's race to the broader political shifts shaping both Iowa and national politics. With new candidates entering the race and familiar names making their bids official, the hosts analyze how the field is taking shape and what it means for Republican voters.The conversation opens with the announcement of Congressman Randy Feenstra's official campaign launch and newcomer Zach Lahn's populist-leaning entry into the race. Chris and John discuss how both are positioning themselves — Feenstra emphasizing his record on tax reform and Lahn focusing on “Iowa First” and small-town preservation. They explore emerging themes like property rights, health care affordability, and foreign land ownership, noting that these issues reveal the shifting priorities within Iowa's conservative movement.Beyond the campaign trail, the hosts examine a recent Des Moines Register report highlighting the loss of more than 200,000 registered Democrats in Iowa over the past 15 years. They frame this as part of a broader realignment in American politics, where working-class voters in the Midwest have steadily moved toward the Republican Party. The discussion contrasts these demographic changes with suburban shifts in the opposite direction, explaining how Iowa's political map continues to evolve.The episode also touches on civility in politics — sparked by a recent town hall event featuring Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks — and the rising tension between public accountability and political grandstanding. The hosts close with a candid discussion of national tariff policy, including Donald Trump's proposal to send $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariffs, which both Chris and John sharply criticize as misguided economics that fails to reduce spending or debt.The show ends on a lighter note as the hosts share trivia, debate presidential rankings, and defend the enduring legacy of Ronald Reagan.

Investigating the results of last week's local elections, watching Randy Feenstra's announcement ad, and spearheading a movement against the new gas station. Call us at (319) 849-8733! Go here for full episode notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/143195969 https://rockhardcauc.us

It's HALLOWEEN and this is no TRICK - The Iowa Democratic Party listens to Simon! Today they issued a press release linking yesterday's interview with Congressman Randy Feenstra, who officially announced his gubernatorial campaign this week. It sure would be a TREAT if the IDP Chairwoman, Rita Hart, would be brave enough, (like Rob Sand) to come on the show. One person who isn't SPOOKED to be on the show is Brad Sherman who is also running for Iowa Governor. Today he talks to Simon about the 70 of 99 counties he's already visited in his bid to become Governor.

Sen. Grassley has called for an investigation into the wedding company theknot.com for false advertising after several whistleblower complaints. It's Day 30 of the government shutdown and the eve of SNAP benefits not being funded. Gov. Reynolds announced support for IA food banks is coming from the IA Dept of Health & Human Services and the National Guard on standby to help with food distribution. And then Simon talks to newest announced candidate for IA Governor, Congressman Randy Feenstra who wants to "take this state to new heights".

Simon talks to IA Congressman Randy Feenstra who officially announced his candidacy for IA Governor this week. Congressman Feenstra has been a City Administrator, County Treasurer, State Senator and is currently representing Iowa's 4th District in Congress. He and Simon discuss his race, property tax, eminent domain and his desire to "take this state to new heights".

This week on the podcast, we discuss Randy Feenstra finally making his gubernatorial campaign official; we explore readers' questions about how elections officials catch fraudulent voting; and we look ahead to next week's local elections. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.Read stories featured in this episode: Rep. Randy Feenstra formally launches bid for governor: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_b22a8bb3-96d1-4c55-956f-117c97d02694.htmlFeenstra launches campaign for Iowa governor, pledging to ‘take Iowa to new heights': https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/feenstra-launches-campaign-for-iowa-governor-pledging-to-take-iowa-to-new-heights/ Quad City Elections: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/ Western Iowa Elections: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/Curious Iowa: What do election officials do to prevent or catch fraudulent votes?: https://www.thegazette.com/curious-iowa/curious-iowa-what-do-election-officials-do-to-prevent-or-catch-fraudulent-votes/Marion man charged with election misconduct: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/marion-man-charged-with-election-misconduct/On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day's deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into two big stories shaping Iowa's political and fiscal landscape: Randy Feenstra's official entry into the 2026 governor's race and Iowa's sharp rise in national tax competitiveness rankings.The conversation opens with Feenstra's long-anticipated announcement. Chris and John break down what the move means for the Republican field, why Feenstra is considered the frontrunner, and how his campaign message of “America First for Iowa” could play out on the state level. They question what the slogan really means in policy terms and whether Iowa voters will see it as substance or branding.The hosts then turn to the Tax Foundation's new State Business Tax Climate Index, where Iowa jumped from 20th to 17th in overall tax competitiveness — a major improvement from its 44th-place ranking just a few years ago. Chris and John explain what that ranking means, how Iowa's flat tax continues to boost the state's position, and where more work is needed — particularly on property taxes.As the episode unfolds, the discussion moves from rankings to reform. The hosts preview property tax debates coming in the 2026 legislative session and emphasize Governor Kim Reynolds' continued push to apply the same fiscal discipline that delivered Iowa's flat tax to local governments. They also highlight the ongoing need for efficiency and consolidation among Iowa's 99 counties and local entities to reduce costs for taxpayers.The episode closes with a spirited exchange about South Dakota's new property tax task force and why the key to lasting relief isn't tinkering with formulas — it's cutting government spending. As always, Chris and John remind listeners that the solution to Iowa's tax challenges begins and ends with responsible budgeting and smaller government.

Filling in for Simon is his 'brother from another mother', Doug Wagner. Doug talks to Family Medicine physician, Dr Lindsay Rerko, who also has a child with Downs Syndrome, about DS Month. October is also Respect Life Month and Doug asks "has there been an evolution in society on how DS is viewed?" Later, Doug talks to current NW IA Congressman & hopeful future IA Governor, Randy Feenstra who wants to "show the country what Iowa can do" and has plans to take "Iowa to new heights".

Doug Wagner fills in for Simon and talks to current NW IA Congressman & hopeful future IA Governor, Randy Feenstra who wants to "show the country what Iowa can do" and has plans to take "Iowa to new heights".

Tensions remain high on Capitol Hill as the government shutdown drags on. The latest point of contention is Speaker Mike Johnson's delay in swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Johnson claims the delay is due to the shutdown, but some Democrats accuse him of trying to prevent her from being a key vote on a bill related to the Epstein files. FOX Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram breaks down the back-and-forth over Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva and explains how a Supreme Court case about voters' rights could give GOP redistricting efforts a boost. Later, Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa discusses the government shutdown, the arrest of the Des Moines school superintendent by ICE, and the impact of the trade war with China on Iowa's agriculture industry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tensions remain high on Capitol Hill as the government shutdown drags on. The latest point of contention is Speaker Mike Johnson's delay in swearing in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Johnson claims the delay is due to the shutdown, but some Democrats accuse him of trying to prevent her from being a key vote on a bill related to the Epstein files. FOX Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram breaks down the back-and-forth over Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva and explains how a Supreme Court case about voters' rights could give GOP redistricting efforts a boost. Later, Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa discusses the government shutdown, the arrest of the Des Moines school superintendent by ICE, and the impact of the trade war with China on Iowa's agriculture industry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on the Scott Jennings Show: Scott Jennings brings Common Sense for the American People, with exclusive interviews from Capitol Hill to the Kentucky farmlands. DOJ moves to indict John Bolton, Democrats block another shutdown vote, and Scott talks with Kentucky Ag Commissioner Jonathan Shell and Congressman Randy Feenstra.Stream it now, live on X, YouTube & Facebook. Follow @ScottJenningsKYScottJenningsShow.com Common Sense for the AMERICAN PEOPLE.Keep up with the Trump Administration when you subscribe to The Trump Report. This email brings you daily highlights from the Oval Office, right to your inbox, 5 days a week. Subscribe today at http://salempodcastnetwork.com/trumpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04). He is a member of the House Agriculture [...]