Representative Randy Feenstra of Iowa officially announced on Monday his intention to run for governor in the 2026 election.
As reported by the Iowa Capital Deployment, Feenstra filed the necessary paperwork for his campaign under the “Feenstra for Governor” label with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Committee. He was first elected to the U.S. House in 2020.
This move comes as lawmakers gear up for the race to succeed Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, who recently stated she would not seek a third term. Feenstra had been contemplating a gubernatorial bid ever since Reynolds’ announcement.
This established Republican will not seek reelection in 2026.
“I’ll talk right now. I’m focusing on completing Trump’s agenda and making sure it gets done,” he mentioned to reporters on April 23rd.
At this stage, Feenstra hasn’t launched any public campaigns for the governorship.
The Republican primary in Iowa might become competitive. Currently, former state lawmaker Brad Sherman has officially entered the race, having announced his campaign in February.
However, other Republicans, including Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot, are also gearing up. Bousselot formed an exploratory committee last month, alongside fellow candidates like Iowa attorney Brenna Bird and House Speaker Pat Grassley.
On the Democratic side, Iowa Auditor Rob Sand filed his paperwork on Monday to run in the state’s Democratic primary.
Feenstra stands out as the only U.S. House representative in Iowa eyeing the governor’s office, while three others—Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn—have stated they won’t pursue a gubernatorial campaign.
Before joining the U.S. House, Feenstra was a state senator since 2009, having previously defeated former U.S. Rep. Steve King in the Republican primary. He also served as the Sioux County Treasurer from 2006 to 2008.
