By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Dakota City, IA – Voters in Humboldt County joined Iowans across the state Tuesday in casting ballots in the 2026 Primary Election, helping determine party nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, congressional races, and county offices.
Statewide, the most closely watched race was the Republican primary for governor. Businessman Zach Lahn captured the GOP nomination in a major upset, defeating U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, who had received the endorsement of President Donald Trump. Lahn will face Democratic nominee Rob Sand, the current Iowa State Auditor in November.
In Iowa’s open U.S. Senate race, Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson won her party’s nomination and will face Democratic State Representative Josh Turek in November. The seat is open following the retirement announcement of Republican Senator Joni Ernst.
In Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District, Republican Chris McGowan will face Democrat Dave Dawson in November’s election. The seat is open after U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra opted to run for governor. The Sioux City businessman and chamber executive secured the Republican nomination, while former State Representative Dave Dawson won the Democratic primary. The district, which includes Humboldt County and much of northwest Iowa, has long been a Republican stronghold.
In other statewide contests, voters nominated for Secretary of State Republican incumbent Paul Pate and Democratic challenger Ryan Peterman.
In the State Auditor race, Republican Chris Cournoyer will face Democrat Taylor Wettach. For State Treasurer, Republican Roby Smith will face Democrat John Norwood.
In the Secretary of Agriculture race, incumbent Republican Mike Naig will go up against Democrat Chris Jones in November. The Attorney General race will feature incumbent Republican Brenna Bird and Democratic challenger Nate Willems.
In the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors District 3 contested race, incumbent Republican Rick Pederson defeated challenger Kelly Sue Gonder in the primary and will represent the party in November.
The Republican primaries for Humboldt County Supervisor District 1 and District 2 were unopposed for Bruce Reimers and Dennis Thompson, respectively. Additional unopposed races in the county saw County Treasurer Janna Pettinger, County Recorder Nicole Niemeyer, and County Attorney John Beatty all advance to November.
The voter turnout for the 2026 primary elections were approximately 19% statewide. In Humboldt County, the percentage was at 17.68%.
The 2026 midterms will be held Tuesday, November 3.