Republican Candidate Takes on Big Agriculture in Iowa Gubernatorial Race
In a bid to become Iowa’s governor, Zach Lahn has positioned himself against major agricultural corporations, promising to tackle their use of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. However, his choice of running mate presents a contrasting background.
Lahn announced on June 12 that state Representative Derek Wulf would join him as his lieutenant governor candidate, stating on X that, “Derek has been there for Iowans and I am very proud to have him partner with me on this campaign.”
Wulf’s Track Record and Industry Ties
Since 2023, Derek Wulf has served parts of Black Hawk, Benton, and Tama counties in the Iowa House of Representatives. During his tenure, he has shown support for farm chemical producers and participated in a White House event promoting the use of pesticides. Prior to his political career, Wulf worked for Cargill, a major player in the agriculture industry.
Wulf’s connections to Bayer, a notable company in pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, are evident. In 2024 and 2025, Bayer’s divisions donated $1,000 to Wulf, a substantial contribution for a state House district with fewer than 32,000 residents.
The Modern Ag Alliance, representing Bayer, publicly acknowledged Wulf’s support for a glyphosate immunity bill through an ad in the Des Moines Register in 2024. This bill sought to protect agricultural companies from lawsuits related to glyphosate exposure, contingent on proper labeling. Despite the bill’s failure to become law, Lahn has committed to vetoing any similar proposals if elected.
Controversies and Legislative Actions
Wulf’s involvement in the glyphosate bill has been contested. Lahn’s campaign denies Wulf’s support, despite claims from the Modern Ag Alliance. As the bill never reached a House vote, Wulf’s official stance remains unrecorded.
Wulf’s legislative actions reflect a pattern of supporting agricultural interests. In 2023, he voted for a budget that cut funding for water quality sensors, a move at odds with Lahn’s campaign priorities. In February, Wulf supported raising the threshold for designating impaired waterways and authored a bill limiting lawsuits against agricultural companies for greenhouse gas emissions.
Wulf’s participation in a June White House event, where then-President Donald Trump expedited pesticide ingredient approvals, further underscores his alignment with the industry. The order allowed for increased use of chemicals like chlormequat and bifenthrin, associated with fertility and endocrine issues.
Implications for Lahn’s Campaign
Lahn is closely linked with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, which could be affected by Wulf’s legislative history. The duo faces Iowa Auditor Rob Sand in the general election, with Sand equally focused on addressing the state’s increasing cancer rates. Sand’s running mate, Dave Muhlbauer, brings experience as a Crawford County Supervisor and fifth-generation farmer.
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