DES MOINES, Iowa — It's not the Iowa State Fair without a few politicians making their pitch to Iowans.
This year, the fairgrounds were buzzing in the first few days with a collection of GOP presidential hopefuls.
This was fueled in part by a new event: Gov. Kim Reynolds has been hosting what she's calling a "Fair-Side Chat". The governor spends roughly a half hour with candidates on stage outside JR's Southpork Ranch, asking them questions about their backgrounds and platform.
On the first day, conservative radio host Larry Elder took the stage. The next day featured former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez. On Saturday, Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy sat down with Reynolds.
Former President Donald Trump was also on the fair Saturday but was notably absent from the "Fair-Side Chat" stage. Reynolds' team had indicated earlier the former president was invited. Trump, flanked by Florida lawmakers who endorsed him over Governor Desantis, made a few stops and spoke briefly to a crowd at Steer N' Stein.
The Fair-Side Chats resume Tuesday morning with Former Arkansas Governor Asak Hutchinson, Texas businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. The chats wrap up Friday with businessman Perry Johnson and former Texas Congressman Will Hurd.