Interested in where you can run into (or avoid) the GOP’s 2024 presidential candidates at the Iowa State Fair? We put together a list of each candidate’s events at the fair so you can be on the lookout.
The Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox
Ten GOP presidential candidates will appear at the Des Moines Register’s 2023 political soapbox event. The soapbox, located along the Grand Concourse in front of the Horner Service Center, allows candidates to have a face-to-face discussion with Iowans regarding their political platform and campaign.
Here’s when you can find the Republican candidates at the soapbox:
Thursday, Aug. 10:
- 1:30 p.m.: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum
- 4:30 p.m.: Former Vice President Mike Pence
Friday, Aug. 11:
- 11:15 a.m.: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez
- Noon: Michigan businessman Perry Johnson
- 1:30 p.m.: California media personality Larry Elder
Saturday, Aug. 12:
- 11:15 a.m.: Texas businessman Ryan Binkley
- Noon: Ohio tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy
- 3 p.m.: Former South Carolina Gov. and US Ambassador Nikki Haley
Friday, Aug. 18:
- Noon: Former Texas Congressional Rep. Will Hurd
Saturday, Aug. 19:
- 4:30 p.m.: Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson
The schedule is subject to change, the Des Moines Register notes.
“Fair-Side” Chats with Gov. Kim Reynolds
New this year, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will host “fair-side” chats with 12 GOP presidential candidates at JR’s SouthPork Ranch.
“The Iowa State Fair showcases the best of Iowa – from our people to our culture and wonderful agriculture industry – and it’s the perfect venue for a conversation with the candidates,” Reynolds said in her announcement.
There is one noticeable candidate who is not expected to attend this year’s event, however. Amidst a growing feud between the governor and the former president, Donald Trump is not expected to attend any events at this year’s state fair.
Thursday, Aug. 10:
- 10:30 a.m.: Larry Elder
Friday, August 11:
- 8:30 a.m.: Doug Burgum
- 9:30 a.m.: Mike Pence
- 10:30 a.m.: Francis Suarez
Saturday, August 12:
- 8:30 a.m.: Vivek Ramaswamy
- 9:30 a.m.: Nikki Haley
- 10:30 a.m.: Ron DeSantis
Tuesday, August 15:
- 8:30 a.m.: Asa Hutchinson
- 9:30 a.m.: Ryan Binkley
- 10:30 a.m.: Tim Scott
Friday, August 18:
- 9:30 a.m.: Perry Johnson
- 10:30 a.m.: Will Hurd
Trump
Former President and 2024 GOP frontrunner Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will be at the fair at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. The campaign announcement did not specify where on the fairgrounds he would be or if will participate in the soapbox or “fair-side” chat.
by Grace Katzer
08/08/23
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2 Comments on "Where To Find GOP Candidates At The Iowa State Fair"
Am hoping some of the Democratic candidates for president appear at the fair also. Would be a great opportunity for challengers such as RFK Jr.
Mr. Kinnick….RFK Jr. has been notified, along with every other derelict seeking election to the impossible task of leading this fractured nation. What has happened to statesmanship that prevailed prior to 2016? Is it possible to occur again? Most doubtful! All this nation has experienced in the past 6.5 years is continuous DRAMA! Sad thing is, we….the American people have allowed it to happen. It will continue, for social media allows those with the same mindset to proliferate! Oh, how I fear for those who follow…those who simply want a job, a house, a family with food on the table, and a safe environment with good things to look forward to. That era is an unattainable dream of a bygone past. Why? Because we the people and government “leaders” accept the outrageous beliefs of the fanatical fringes of their party as their calling!! However , all becomes meaningless, when we in totality, all 8 billion on the face of this earth, ignore the most important aspect of existence, being a planet on which life can exist. We’re on a downward trajectory, most likely having passed the point of repair. Out-of-sight, thus out-of-mind. Enjoy the fair!