From ballrooms to the Midway: Mike Davis takes his party to the Iowa State Fair

Mike Davis, a prominent conservative political strategist and founder of the Article III Project and its affiliated foundation, is hosting a private event at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines on August 20, 2026. The gathering, which will take place on the fairgrounds, marks a departure from the usual venues of high-profile political gatherings, shifting from ballrooms in Washington, D.C., to the midway of one of the largest state fairs in the United States. The event is being held to commemorate the recent confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general and to honor Senator Charles E. Grassley, who has served Iowa in the U.S. Senate for four and a half decades. The invitation-only affair is expected to draw a mix of conservative activists, lawmakers, and legal professionals. It comes at a time when the Republican Party is consolidating its influence in key states ahead of upcoming elections. Mr. Davis, who was born and raised in Iowa, has long been associated with the state's political landscape. His work with Senator Grassley on the Senate Judiciary Committee included pivotal roles in confirming several of former President Donald Trump’s judicial appointments, including Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. The event follows a series of high-profile gatherings hosted by the Article III Project, which has become known for its lavish and politically charged social events. These have typically taken place in upscale locations in Washington, D.C., drawing attention from both supporters and critics. By choosing the Iowa State Fair, a venue more commonly associated with family entertainment and agricultural displays, Davis appears to be signaling a strategic shift toward engaging with grassroots movements and local constituents. Senator Grassley, who has represented Iowa since 1979, has been a consistent advocate for conservative policies and has played a central role in shaping the judiciary through his work on the Senate Judiciary Committee. His relationship with Davis dates back to the early days of the Trump administration, when they collaborated on efforts to fill federal judicial positions. The senator’s presence at the event underscores the significance of the occasion, particularly given his long tenure in public service. Todd Blanche, the newly confirmed attorney general, has been a vocal proponent of conservative legal principles and has previously worked alongside Davis on various initiatives. His confirmation came after a contentious process involving multiple hearings and debates over his qualifications and policy stances. The event serves as both a celebration of his appointment and a platform to reinforce the ideological alignment between the attendees and the broader conservative movement. The decision to host the event at the Iowa State Fair has drawn some interest from media and political observers. While the fair is a popular destination for Iowans and visitors alike, it is unusual for such a high-level political gathering to take place there. Organizers have emphasized that the event will adhere to all safety and security protocols, ensuring that it does not disrupt the normal operations of the fair. Attendees are expected to follow standard procedures for entry and participation in the festivities. As the date approaches, speculation continues about who else might attend. Invitations have reportedly been extended to members of the Trump administration, current and former legislators, and influential figures within the conservative legal community. The event is likely to be covered extensively by media outlets focused on national politics, though organizers have not yet commented on whether press access will be granted. With the political climate increasingly polarized, such gatherings serve as both a unifying force for conservatives and a point of contention among critics. The choice of venue, however, suggests a deliberate effort to connect with the broader electorate in a setting that is traditionally more accessible and less formal than typical political events. As August 20 draws near, the focus will remain on the individuals being honored and the implications of their continued influence in shaping the nation’s legal and political future.