Where To Find GOP Candidates At The Iowa State Fair

Photos of Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, by Ty Rushing/Starting Line. Donald Trump photo by (Mary Altaffer/ AP) Nikki Haley photo by (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

By Grace Katzer

August 8, 2023

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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