Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, emerged victorious in a heated primary challenge on Tuesday, defeating a former CIA officer and retired Army ranger in a battle over who was the more conservative candidate.
Feenstra, who is seeking a third term in Congress, overcame a challenge from Kevin Virgil, who had sought to take the nomination away from the incumbent. The race was marked by significant disparities in campaign spending, with Feenstra outspending Virgil by a wide margin.
Feenstra, who has emphasized his record on issues such as securing the southern border, supporting farmers in Iowa, and standing up to China, faced criticism from Virgil for his votes on foreign aid, including to Israel. Virgil argued that sending billions of dollars in aid to foreign countries, including Israel, should only be done if it aligns with American interests.
The primary race also saw endorsements from prominent figures, with Virgil receiving support from former Rep. Steve King, while Feenstra garnered the backing of Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. The candidates clashed over various issues, including energy policies affecting the state, such as ethanol standards.
The 4th District in Iowa, where Feenstra secured the Republican nomination, is considered a safe seat for the GOP, with voters overwhelmingly supporting former President Donald Trump in the 2020 election. Feenstra is now set to face Democrat Ryan Melton in the general election, a candidate he previously defeated in 2020.
As the campaign trail heats up, stay tuned for the latest updates and exclusive interviews on the 2024 election at the Fox News Digital election hub.
