Yesterday, Rep. Steve King made homophobic comments criticizing national Republicans for funding an openly gay candidate in a California primary.

“They sent money over to support a candidate in a primary in California who was a, uh, had a sex-same partner that they put all over glossy mailers,” King said. “I don’t know if they were holding hands or what was the deal. It’s hard to write a check to those guys when they do that.”

King also joked that Supreme Court justices Elana Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor should “elope to Cuba” so conservatives could get a 7-2 majority.

One Iowa Action Executive Director Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel issued the following statement condemning King and Gov. Kim Reynolds’ continued support of him:

“Rep. King’s statements are just one more example of the hateful rhetoric on which he’s built his legacy. Over and over, he’s shown Iowans his true colors. His words yesterday, like so many of the words he’s uttered before, are unacceptable and dangerous coming from someone holding elected office.

“Gov. Reynolds does not seem to think his actions and words are unacceptable. She shared a stage with King mere hours after these hateful comments left his lips. Again and again, King has proven himself a racist, homophobic, and transphobic extremist who should not be in office. Reynolds has not only refused to denounce him and his hateful statements, but appointed him co-chair of her campaign.

“Iowans in marginalized communities deserve better than a governor who supports and encourages hate. Today is Election Day, and we encourage LGBTQ Iowans and allies to vote for Fred Hubbell for governor.”

Categories: Press Releases