Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) is running for governor in 2026, he announced Tuesday, making the GOP lawmaker the most high-profile Republican to enter the race for the state’s top office.
Feenstra, who has served three terms in Congress and has long been rumored to run, made his candidacy official in a post on X, touting his Iowan roots and his ties to President Donald Trump.
“I’m running to be the next governor of Iowa to take our state to new heights,” he wrote on X. “Working with President Trump, we will build a stronger Iowa and keep the liberal, progressive agenda out of our state.”
His announcement also took aim at the likely Democratic nominee Rob Sand, the Iowa state auditor, slamming him for his ties to “radical liberals.”
“Liberal liar Rob Sand only sinks low, but Randy Feenstra always stands tall for Iowa,” Feenstra’s campaign video said.
GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in April she wouldn’t seek reelection, startling Republicans who largely expected her to seek a third term. Now, the growing list of GOP candidates will be vying for Trump’s endorsement — with former state Rep. Brad Sherman, state Rep. Eddie Andrews and former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen also in the mix for the GOP nomination.
Feenstra’s entrance into the race for the governor’s mansion also opens up his seat in Iowa’s 4th District — a deep-red district that Feenstra has easily held after successfully primarying then-GOP Rep. Steve King in 2020.
“In Iowa, the crops grow tall and strong,” Feenstra’s campaign video said. “Randy Feenstra is no different.”
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