The Daily Mail's DC Insider newsletter has launched a light-hearted reader poll asking people to name their favourite fair food, timed to coincide with the winding-down of the Great American State Fair. The piece matters mainly as a piece of political-culture engagement, tapping into the tradition of US state fairs as venues where politicians mingle with voters, with the notably influential Iowa State Fair due to begin in mid-August.

To prompt readers, the paper canvassed several Republican lawmakers on their preferred fair snacks. Colorado's Lauren Boebert chose loaded hot dogs, Wisconsin's Derrick Van Orden picked cheese curds, and others backed funnel cakes, ham biscuits, sweet corn, turkey legs and corn dogs. The newest House Republican, California's James Gallagher — sworn in on 10 June after a special election to replace the late Doug LaMalfa — also favoured corn dogs, while cotton candy and elephant ears featured among the sweeter choices. Readers are now invited to vote, with results to appear in a future newsletter.