Before heading to his next campaign event, pictures were taken with the fascinated staff. The three Murph’s workers had interacted with campaign staff and seemed to enjoy their stay. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

With the 2024 Election cycle commencing, the Republican primary turns Iowa into an important battleground for candidates.

On Wednesday, Aug. 9, Texas businessman and pastor Ryan Binkley made a stop at Murph’s Creamery and Grill in Toledo. Binkley is President and CEO of Generational Group located in Richardson, Texas, along with a founder and lead pastor of Create Church.

Binkley is seeking to qualify into the first Republican debate on Aug. 23 in Milwaukee, Wis. To qualify for the Fox debate, candidates need to have 40,000 unique donors, including at least 200 unique donors in 20 states or territories.

Morgan Bonwell, Binkley’s 2024 Campaign Iowa State Director, has made public that Ryan has at least 27,000 individual donors.

“We’re receiving thousands a day,” Bonwell said.

The owner of Murph’s, Joe Murphy, greeted the candidate and sat periodically through the event while also managing the business. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

Binkley is running on economic reform, with his main policy being a seven year economic rescue plan. His other policies include healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry, national debt, immigration reform, and protecting unborn lives.

At the event District 53 representative Dean Fisher made an appearance and engaged with Binkley and other potential Republican primary voters.

Throughout his whole time at Murphs Binkley listened to Tama county residents and saved his own words for the end. With a small crowd discussions were intimate and individual concerns were addressed.

When asked about his thoughts on former president Trump, Binkley responded with his approach to bipartisanship.

“We need to stop calling the other side names and start working with them. Uniting our country is one of the most important things right now. As for Trump, we (Republicans) like him too much,” he said.

Ryan Binkley met with Tama County voters, discussing topics ranging from Donald Trump to economic reform. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

On his way out Ryan made sure to grab some ice cream, before heading to Grinelle for an event at Pizza Ranch.

Binkley is currently at the Iowa State Fair participating in various discussions and campaign activities. His on the ground strategy paired with the goal of visiting all 99 Iowa counties will keep him busy heading into the January Caucus.

The Texas based businessman Ryan Binkley spoke directly to Tama County voters and interacted with Murph’s staff members. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER