U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, filed paperwork on May 12, 2025, with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board to launch a bid for governor in 2026, under the banner “Feenstra for Governor.” This marks him as the first high-profile Republican to formally enter the open GOP primary field, following Governor Kim Reynolds’ April 2025 announcement that she will not seek re-election. Feenstra, serving his third term in Congress, has not yet made an official campaign announcement, and his team has not responded to requests for comment.
The filing comes amid a shifting Iowa political landscape, with other Republicans like Attorney General Brenna Bird, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, State Senator Mike Bousselot, House Speaker Pat Grassley, and State Representative Bobby Kaufmann expressing interest or taking exploratory steps. Former State Representative Brad Sherman entered the race in February 2025, before Reynolds’ decision. On the Democratic side, Iowa Auditor Rob Sand also filed paperwork for governor on the same day, announcing his candidacy.
Feenstra’s move opens up Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, a conservative stronghold, for a competitive 2026 race. Democrat Ryan Melton, who lost to Feenstra in 2022 and 2024, has already announced his third bid for the seat. Feenstra, 56, previously served as a state senator (2009–2021) and Sioux County Treasurer (2006–2008). He gained prominence by defeating controversial incumbent Steve King in the 2020 GOP primary.
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart criticized Feenstra, calling him a “reliable foot soldier for misguided partisans,” citing Iowa’s 49th ranking in economic growth, job losses, and Feenstra’s votes against a farm bill, Medicaid support, and for an “unaccountable voucher program.” The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race is expected to be closely watched, rated “likely Republican” by analysts, with no term limits for governors adding to its significance.