RFK Jr. Heads to Des Moines for a “Make America Healthy Again” Rally

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is slated to appear in Des Moines on November 3 (scheduled) for a “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) rally. The gathering, organized by the MAHA political action committee, will feature Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn, House candidate Joe Mitchell, Iowa House District 43 candidate Nicole Hasso, District 40 candidate Bill Gustoff, and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joe Ladapo, among others. The rally is intended to boost support for Lahn and Mitchell in the final days before the November 3 midterm elections.

Newsweek

Iowa’s governor’s seat is open this cycle; incumbent Republican Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election. The contest pits Republican Zach Lahn against Democrat Rob Sand, the state auditor. Democrats have not held the governorship since Chet Culver in 2006. Simultaneously, the U.S. Senate race between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek has tightened, prompting a recent visit by former President Donald Trump and a scheduled return on November 1 (scheduled). Healthcare ranks second among issues for Iowa voters, trailing only the economy.

Newsweek

• An Emerson Polling survey of 650 likely voters conducted October 5-6 found the economy was the top issue for 42 % of respondents, with healthcare at 18 %.

Newsweek

• Echelon Insights surveyed 403 likely voters October 16-23, giving Sand a 4-point lead over Lahn (50 % to 46 %).

Newsweek

• YouGov poll of 2,244 likely voters October 6-12 showed Sand ahead by 6 points (50 % to 44 %).

Newsweek

• Marist University poll October 8-11 reported a 7-point Sand advantage (52 % to 45 %).

Newsweek

• CNN/SSRS poll September 29-October 5 indicated a 9-point lead for Sand (51 % to 42 %).

Newsweek

• Suffolk University poll October 1-4 gave Sand a 12-point margin (55 % to 43 %).

Newsweek

Newsweek’s outreach to the MAHA PAC, the Hinson campaign, and the Lahn and Sand campaigns for comment received no response at the time of reporting. Notably, Ashley Hinson was absent from the rally lineup, and it was unclear whether she had been invited. Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Iowa again on November 1, underscoring the state’s strategic importance in the Senate contest.

Newsweek

The rally places a national figure on the Iowa stage as healthcare emerges as a pivotal voter concern. By aligning Kennedy’s health-focused messaging with Republican candidates, the event seeks to sway undecided voters in tightly contested races, particularly the gubernatorial contest where polls consistently favor Sand but remain within single-digit margins. The timing—just days before the election—suggests an effort to shape voter perceptions on health policy ahead of the November 3 ballot.

Newsweek