Iowa Evangelicals Courted by Republican Presidential Hopefuls with Abortion Restrictions

Several Republican candidates addressed religious conservatives at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition's spring kickoff, calling for new restrictions on abortion rights and gender-affirming care, expanding school choice programs, and shutting down the Department of Education. Former Vice President Mike Pence distanced himself from former President Donald Trump's position on abortion, saying he supports a federal 15-week ban. The event was headlined by Donald Trump, who addressed the crowd via a prerecorded video. The constituency at the Faith and Freedom event is key for Republicans, with more than 9 in 10 Iowa Republicans identifying as Christian.