DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Cary Gordon isn’t a political operative, a top dollar donor or an elected official. But Jeb Bush’s team already has reached as the 2016 Republican presidential campaign heats up in Iowa. Gordon is a well-known evangelical Christian pastor with a church in Sioux City that can draw 600 people on Sundays.

When it comes to the Iowa Republican caucuses, evangelical pastors are kingmakers, with sway over a key bloc of participants. Lots of potential 2016 candidates are stepping up the courting. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul have appeared before groups of religious conservatives. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talks frequently about being a pastor’s son.

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whose father is a pastor, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal recently addressed pastors in Des Moines.