Randy Feenstra files to run for Iowa governor – Washington Examiner
Randy Feenstra, a Republican representative from Iowa, has officially announced his candidacy for governor in the upcoming 2026 election. His filing was confirmed by a document obtained by the *Washington Examiner*. Feenstra has been serving as a representative for Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District sence unseating former Rep. Steve King in 2020. His entry into the race follows the unexpected decision of incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds not too seek re-election,which has opened up the gubernatorial field. other potential Republican candidates include State Attorney General Brenna Bird, State Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Republican State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann. On the Democratic side, state auditor Rob Sand has also declared his intention to run. Criticism of Feenstra has emerged from Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Rita Hart, who accused him of contributing to the state’s economic challenges and lacking effective leadership.
Randy Feenstra files to run for Iowa governor
Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra, a Republican, has filed to run for governor in 2026.
Feenstra applied to run on Monday, according to a filing obtained by the Washington Examiner. He is serving his third term as representative of Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District after unseating controversial former Republican Rep. Steve King in 2020.
The Washington Examiner reached out to Feenstra for comment.
The gubernatorial field opened up last month when incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) made the surprise announcement that she wouldn’t run for reelection in 2026. Pastor and former Iowa State Rep. Brad Sherman announced his run as a Republican in February.
State Attorney General Brenna Bird, State Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, GOP State House Speaker Pat Grassley, and Republican State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann have all signaled interest in the position.
Democratic Auditor Rob Sand, the state’s only elected Democrat, announced his run on Monday.
Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Rita Hart bashed Feenstra in a statement obtained by local outlet KCCI.
IOWA STATE AUDITOR DEMOCRAT ROB SAND ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR
Feenstra, she argued, is a “reliable foot soldier for the misguided partisans and insiders ruining our state.”
“Iowa is now 49th in economic growth and losing manufacturing jobs, while Rep. Feenstra has failed to deliver a farm bill, voted to gut Medicaid, and supported Iowa’s unaccountable voucher program that’s jeopardizing Iowa’s fiscal budget. We need a new direction and Randy Feenstra is just more of the same failed leadership,” Hart added.
Rachel Schilke contributed to this report.
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