Overview

• Randy Feenstra, a Republican congressman representing Iowa’s 4th District, formally filed paperwork to run for governor in 2026 on Monday.
• This marks the first major Republican candidacy following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ announcement last month that she would not seek reelection, creating a rare open-seat contest.
• Feenstra faces potential competition in a crowded GOP primary, with figures like Attorney General Brenna Bird and Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley signaling interest.
• On the Democratic side, State Auditor Rob Sand announced his campaign, seeking to end the GOP's nearly two-decade dominance in Iowa gubernatorial elections.
• Iowa’s 2026 governor’s race is expected to draw national attention due to its strategic importance in the Midwest and its role as a political launching pad.