In the lead-up to Iowa’s Republica
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In the lead-up to Iowa’s Republican caucuses, one of the most fiercely contested areas is a vast, wind-swept plain in northwest Iowa, where the population of hogs far surpasses that of humans. The landscape, characterized by high plains and dotted with towering white wind turbines, is punctuated by pig farms, recognizable by their squat barns and distinctive aroma.
This region represents the evangelical Christian stronghold of conservative Iowa, where the dispersed population across numerous snowy counties holds significant sway in GOP races. Former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis are actively vying for support among politically influential evangelicals, turning the battle for northwest Iowa into a microcosm of the broader race leading up to Monday’s caucuses.
Despite the cancellation of Trump’s scheduled rallies in the region due to winter weather, DeSantis has invested considerable time in courting voters here. The focus of many voters and pastors in northwest Iowa remains centered on abortion rights, even though Republican candidates in the state are not emphasizing the issue as much, reflecting concerns that it might be advantageous for Democrats.
The Rev. John Vermeer of Rock Rapids, part of the conservative Reformed Church that traces its roots back to settlers from the Netherlands over 150 years ago, highlighted the importance of Trump’s actions for the pro-life cause among his parishioners. However, there is also a contingent expressing disappointment with what they perceive as pragmatism.
While Trump’s influence is evident with flags and signs, DeSantis is actively competing, drawing attention to his signing of a six-week abortion ban in Florida. Trump, in contrast, has criticized such bans as overly strict and opposes a national abortion ban, citing potential political repercussions for Republicans.
DeSantis seeks to replicate the success of previous caucus winners, such as Ted Cruz in 2016 and Rick Santorum in 2012, who both appealed to social conservatives in northwest Iowa. Trump, although hosting fewer events in the region compared to his rivals, has not overlooked this swath, especially in eastern Iowa’s larger cities.
Nikki Haley, vying for a surprise second-place finish, and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy have also campaigned in northwest Iowa, albeit to smaller audiences. Despite Trump’s influence, some voters express disappointment in his comments attributing Republican underperformance in the 2022 midterm elections to candidates with strict anti-abortion positions.
Randy Vande Berg, attending a DeSantis event in Rock Rapids, credits Trump for nominating Supreme Court justices pivotal in overturning Roe v. Wade. However, some voters, like Heidi Kock, voice disapproval of Trump’s stance, affirming their support for DeSantis in the upcoming caucuses due to his consistent record on pro-life issues.
