Vivek Ramaswamy Aligns with Former Congressman Steve King, Sparks Controversy
GOP presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy joined forces with former Representative Steve King on the campaign trail, raising eyebrows due to King’s history of racially insensitive remarks that led to his loss of a congressional seat in 2020. Ramaswamy’s association with King has stirred controversy and ignited discussions about the implications of aligning with a figure with a divisive past.
Steve King, once a powerful Republican figure in northwest Iowa, garnered infamy for making statements that were widely condemned for their racist undertones. Notably, King questioned the offensive nature of terms like “white nationalist” and “white supremacist,” prompting backlash from within his own party. His controversial remarks extended to insensitive comments about the origins of human existence related to rape and incest, leading to his electoral defeat in 2020.
Despite losing his seat to Republican Randy Feenstra, King remains a figure of interest in Iowa politics. On a recent campaign trail with Ramaswamy, King introduced the GOP presidential hopeful in Lakeside, Iowa, expressing apparent support without making a formal endorsement. King’s words left little doubt about his sentiments toward Ramaswamy, as he conveyed his disagreement with Ramaswamy’s competitors, including Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and Nikki Haley, regarding the proposed use of eminent domain for a carbon capture pipeline in Iowa.
The initial connection between Ramaswamy and King stemmed from a shared opposition to the proposed pipeline. Praising King during a campaign event on December 1, Ramaswamy acknowledged King’s assistance in understanding the eminent domain issue related to the pipeline. The alignment on this specific matter became the catalyst for their collaboration on the campaign trail.
During the joint campaign events, Ramaswamy faced questions about associating with someone accused of being a white supremacist. In response, Ramaswamy defended King, stating that he did not consider King a white supremacist and expressed pride in their productive day together. Ramaswamy also hinted at the possibility of future collaborations, emphasizing the positive commentary he received from King.
However, skepticism surrounds King’s influence within the GOP. David Kochel, a longtime Iowa GOP strategist, questioned the impact of King’s endorsement, stating that it was unlikely to sway opinions. Kochel highlighted the negative perception of King’s controversial statements, which had previously led to concerns about potential damage to GOP Senator Joni Ernst’s re-election prospects in 2020.
Reflecting on King’s near loss in 2018 against Democrat J.D. Scholten, who nearly unseated him, it became evident that King’s platform did not resonate with a significant portion of voters in Iowa’s 4th District. Despite the district being traditionally Republican, King’s controversial statements and extreme positions contributed to a close race.
As the Ramaswamy-King alliance gains attention, questions arise about King’s potential political comeback. When asked about running for Iowa’s governorship in 2026, King hinted at a return to the political arena, indicating that his decision could be influenced by factors such as Governor Reynolds’ stance on eminent domain and the role of influential figures like Bruce Rastetter.
The collaboration between Ramaswamy and King underscores the complex dynamics within the GOP, where candidates navigate associations with controversial figures while seeking support and endorsement on the campaign trail. The repercussions of this alignment remain to be seen as the 2024 presidential race unfolds.
