This weekend’s Republican National Convention delivered a powerful and timely message: now is the time to unify.
Over the past several months, I’ve been disheartened to see a small number of Republicans—individuals I hesitate to even call Conservatives—engage in back-biting, gossip, and the spreading of untrue narratives. While these voices are few, their actions create unnecessary division and place many of us in difficult positions.
Most of my friends and I aren’t just campaign supporters—we’re some of the ones doing the work. We research issues, network, testify at hearings, supports elected officials, speak at events, show up, and build relationships. As for me, I was honored to be elected to a City Council position last fall. The role has demanded countless hours of meetings, research, and study, but I absolutely love serving my community. Between my council responsibilities, running my business, raising my children as a single parent, church involvement, and other volunteering, my plate is full—which has meant missing many events I used to attend.
After a full day of positive energy, I came home today from a movie with my daughter and opened social media to find a fellow Republican commenting publicly that it was “about time” I “joined the team.” For the record, I did not endorse a gubernatorial candidate this cycle. I was transparent that I had 2 favorites, that I respected all the candidates—they are all good men—and I believe people should vote according to their convictions without shame or bullying.
Loyalty is important, and I get that. We should applaud those who pour their hearts into a candidate. But we must also welcome others in as we funnel forward through our caucuses and into the general election. We were already on the same team! We were simply deciding who would serve next.
This kind of ego-driven behavior—the need to be seen as the most valuable player, the desire to cut others down to elevate oneself—only pushes good people away from the Conservative movement. Bitterness poisons leadership. It turns our focus inward, making issues personal instead of keeping our eyes on what truly matters: serving Iowa families. Exclusive circles, “my team versus your team” mentalities, and score-settling weaken us from within. They waste energy on grudges instead of winning elections and solving problems.
Principles before personalities.
Lahn’s leadership and MAHA-aligned focus on healthier communities, regenerative agriculture, and putting Iowa families first offer a strong, unified path forward. Let’s set aside personal conflicts and rally around the principles that make Iowa and our nation better.
To the next person tempted to gossip, sow division, or withhold support over personal grievances: Are you truly on the side of advancing Conservative values, or are you contributing to the very division our opponents exploit? We don’t have time for that. We treat other Republicans with respect.
Let’s move forward together—attending events, knocking doors, sharing our vision, and recruiting others in our communities. BIG tent!
Iowa families deserve our very best — Lahn, Wulf, Bird, Cournoyer, Hinson, Nunn, Mitchell, Miller-Meeks, McGowan.
Iowa united. Principles Ignited. Victory delivered!
God bless,
- Shellie Flockhart
“This weekend’s Republican National Convention delivered a powerful and timely message: now is the time to unify.”? National?