In Iowa, an unexpected candidate has emerged victorious in the Republican primary for governor, largely due to his stance against hiring foreign H-1B contract workers at state universities.
“The people of Iowa can do these jobs,” farmer Zach Rahn told Republican voters. “I find it hard to believe that our residents can’t handle these jobs.”
While attitudes toward visa workers may play a role in this growing sentiment, Chris Chmielenski, president of the Immigrant Responsibility Project Action, noted that Rahn secured his win by just 0.8 percentage points.
“A win for an outsider against an established candidate carries more weight than the small margin suggests,” he explained to Breitbart News.
In the race, Rahn garnered 38% of the primary votes while incumbent ally Rep. Randy Feenstra trailed with 37.2%, despite an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Chmielenski remarked that “the H-1B issue resonates with a populist audience; the anti-H-1B sentiment could have broader support,” even with considerable backing from investors and university officials advocating for continued immigration of H-1B and other visa workers.
“If Rahn triumphs in the gubernatorial race, it could significantly impact national politics,” Chmielenski added.
Governors like Ron DeSantis from Florida and Greg Abbott from Texas have already limited H-1B hiring at state universities.
Other Republican figures also voice their opposition to H-1B visas, including Senate candidate Mike Collins in Georgia and Oklahoma’s Governor-elect Jake Merrick.
Rick Jackson, another Republican candidate, is similarly campaigning in Georgia, advocating against visa programs.
Chmielenski suggests that politicians across various states might leverage this issue to resonate with their constituents.
The Iowa Legislature has already indicated support for a ban on H-1Bs at state universities, despite protests from foreign workers employed there.
In April, Iowa Public Radio highlighted a political rally organized against public sentiment favoring H-1B regulations at the University of Iowa, where Zhu Zhengyuan from the China Teachers’ Association labeled the proposed bill as discriminatory.
“My commitment to Iowa is strong,” stated Di Fu, a Chinese H-1B contract worker and medical researcher in the university who believes his role is crucial for national health, especially when he’s filling a position that could potentially go to an American.
Many analyses credit Rahn’s success to his healthcare reform focus, namely the MAHA policy.
A June 3 report from polling firm Signal mentioned that “31% of independents are unhappy with both parties,” noting that Rahn’s campaign effectively communicated with voters while taking on the Trump-supported incumbent directly.
The Associated Press reported that Rahn’s loss in an earlier matchup against Feenstra was a noteworthy moment in what has largely been a victorious season for Trump affiliates.
Moreover, they attribute Rahn’s recent victory to his healthcare reform stance and skepticism towards large-scale pesticide use. “I will confront the agricultural monopolies and ensure fair opportunities for Iowa farmers,” Rahn declared following his primary success.
The H-1B visa program allows around 1 million foreign professionals to fill white-collar roles in the U.S., roles that many argue should go to American graduates. It’s worth noting that universities and non-profits can import an unlimited number of foreign workers, which they are increasingly doing.
For instance, the University of Iowa imported at least 126 foreign graduates in 2025, with roles ranging from administration to management.
Some opportunities may also serve as privileges for Indian nationals already in academic settings, concerned about potential deportations.
A rough estimate suggests that about 50,000 H-1B or J-1 visa workers across the nation are occupying university roles that could otherwise go to American professionals.
