Overview

• Rep. Randy Feenstra officially filed paperwork on Monday to run for Iowa governor, joining the 2026 race to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds.
• State Auditor Rob Sand also filed his candidacy on Monday, becoming the only declared Democratic contender in the race.
• The Republican field is shaping up to be competitive, with potential candidates including Brad Sherman, Mike Bousselot, Brenna Bird, Pat Grassley, Zach Nunn, and Bobby Kaufmann.
• Sabato's Crystal Ball rates the general election as 'likely Republican,' noting the absence of an incumbent could make the race more dynamic.
• Iowa has not elected a Democratic governor since 2006, presenting a significant challenge for Sand despite the rare open-seat opportunity.