Trump supporter Randy Feenstra defeats Steve King in primary

DES MOINES – Steve King will have to start packing up in Washington, as he was defeated by Randy Feenstra in a primary election Tuesday night for Iowa’s Fourth District seat in Congress.

Randy Feenstra so far collected 36,797 votes as Steve King tallied 28,977 in Iowa’s Fourth District, comprised roughly of the northwest quarter of the state’s counties. Steve King has been in office for 16 years but recently fell on hard times due to outlandish comments about race. He lost committee assignments in Congress which in large part diminished his effectiveness as a legislator. King’s focus in Congress seemed to be immigration; 28% of the bills he sponsored were on that issue. He was the author of only one bill that ever passed in Congress: H.R. 2758 (108th): To re-name a post office in his district.

After his victory, Feenstra tweeted, “I am truly humbled. Thank you to each and every person who supported us on this journey against all odds.” He received many congratulation on social media from folks who were glad to see Steve King get ousted from office.

President Donald Trump tweeted congratulations to Feenstra, “Congratulations to Randy Feenstra on your big win in the Iowa Republican Primary. You will be a great Congressman!” Feenstra thanked him and asked for money, saying, “Thank you @realDonaldTrump. It’s back to work today, chip in to keep #IA04 out of Nancy Pelosi’s hands.”

Meanwhile, Steve King made no mention of his defeat as of Wednesday morning. He had begged for money and votes leading up to the moment of truth Tuesday night.  He attacked Feenstra as a “RINO” not strong enough on guns.  Twitter was vicious to King after he was declared the loser. One person wrote, “you are an awful human being. I hope that after today we never, ever hear your disgraced name again. Black Lives Matter wrote to King, “You must be pretty upset your buddies in the Klan didn’t turnout for you this time.” It was long-rumored that Steve King is a racist bigot, but he never specifically announced that he is one.  It was unclear if he ever owned or wore a white robe with a pointy hat.

Feenstra is much like King. Both are huge supporters of embattled President Donald Trump and use social media to make that proclamation. Both brag about their record on supporting gun rights. Both are strong on big agriculture. Both are vehemently anti-abortion and would go after Planned Parenthood funding; Feenstra, a state legislator, wants an amendment to the state’s Constitution banning abortions. Both support Donald Trump’s southern border wall.

Early Tuesday, Feenstra took to social media and blasted his Democratic opponent, JD Scholten.

“Our Democrat opponent, JD Scholten, will be a reliable vote for Nancy Pelosi and her liberal allies,” Feenstra proclaimed. “We can’t let them take this seat and enact their extreme agenda. Can you chip in $25, $50, $100 to help us catch up to Scholten’s $600k war chest?”

Scholten took on King two years ago and lost a tight contest. This year’s election in November appears to be a nail-biter with no incumbent advantage.