Sheldon, Iowa — The two candidates vying to replace Congressman Steve King in the Iowa 4th District seat in Congress faced off in Sheldon Tuesday night in a debate hosted by the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Due to the social distancing required due to the pandemic, the event was not open to the public, but was attended by member farmers of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.
Questions posed to Republican Randy Feenstra and Democrat J.D. Scholten included topics like: the Renewable Fuels Standard; ways to encourage Iowa’s young people to return to rural communities and support those that want to start farming; and Unfair Trade Practices, to name a few.
The pair were also asked to outline their strategies on trade policy to increase the export of corn, ethanol and livestock, as well as addressing the rising cost of healthcare. One question dealt with the sustainability of agriculture, and how the candidates would encourage and incentivize farmers to adopt soil health practices that increase sustainability. They were also asked about plans to increase dependable broadband internet access to rural areas.
Democrat J.D. Scholten, of Sioux City, is making his second run at the 4th District seat this year, having lost to incumbent Steve King by a narrow margin in 2018.
Republican Randy Feenstra, of Hull, is a former Iowa State Senator who defeated four challengers, including Congressman King, in this year’s June primary.
The two will face off again Thursday evening in Denison in another debate organized by the Iowa Corn Growers.
Republican Randy Feenstra (left) and Democrat J.D. Scholten (right) at Tuesday evening debate in Sheldon
