Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird are welcoming President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to Sioux City, saying his appearance can help energize voters ahead of an election both describe as consequential for Iowa.
Trump is scheduled to visit Thursday, October 22. In separate interviews with Sioux County Radio, Lahn and Bird expressed enthusiasm for the visit and emphasized the importance of northwest Iowa turnout in the November 3 election.
A Hometown Visit for Lahn
For Lahn, the president’s appearance also means returning to his hometown. He said he plans to attend, although his specific role had not been determined at the time of the interview.
Lahn said he sees the visit as recognition of Iowa’s importance and an opportunity to encourage participation as early voting is underway.
“He’s coming out clearly to help get out the vote, to help people get energized and bring people in,” Lahn said.
Bird similarly said she believes the president’s visit will help motivate voters. She emphasized the importance of the attorney general’s office, pointing to her work with law enforcement and crime victims.
“I work with law enforcement, I help victims, I keep Iowa safe. I uphold our Constitution. This is a very important election, and we need everybody to go out there and vote. I think this will really help,” Bird said.
Northwest Iowa’s Role in Statewide Races
Both candidates pointed to northwest Iowa as an important source of Republican support.
Lahn cited the region’s role in Governor Kim Reynolds’ 2018 election victory and said participation throughout the ballot will be essential again this year.
“If we show up to these races, if Republicans show up, the conservatives of Northwest Iowa show up, We win these races,” Lahn said. “And so we need your support up and down the ballot. Every single race needs your support here.”
Lahn described the election as a decision about the state’s future and culture. He encouraged supporters to reach out to people who may be less motivated to participate in a midterm election.
“And I would ask them, number one, for their vote. I really love—I’d love to have your vote. And number two, to make sure you’re getting people out to vote, even if they might be less motivated this year. We have to have a strong showing to make sure that we protect the culture of our state,” Lahn said.
Bird said Northwest Iowa’s turnout is particularly important to her reelection campaign.
“I really need Northwest Iowa to come out and vote. We have to be able to counteract the places like Iowa City, things like that, because it really matters who your attorney general is,” Bird said.
Lahn faces Democrat Rob Sand in the governor’s race, while Bird faces Democrat Nate Willems in the attorney general’s race.
