Rep. Randy Feenstra’s surprise entry into Iowa’s gubernatorial race creates a potential clash with Attorney General Brenna Bird, who is rumored to be President Trump’s preferred candidate for the state’s top executive position.
Key Takeaways
- Three-term Congressman Randy Feenstra has officially filed to run for Iowa governor following Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision not to seek another term after eight years in office
- Attorney General Brenna Bird is considered a potential Republican challenger and is reportedly President Trump’s preferred candidate for the position
- Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand has entered the race as the Democratic candidate in a state that hasn’t elected a Democratic governor since 2006
- Several other prominent Republicans are considering entering the race, including Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and House Speaker Pat Grassley
- This rare open gubernatorial seat is attracting significant attention both statewide and nationally
Feenstra Makes His Move as Reynolds Steps Aside
Iowa’s political landscape shifted dramatically this week as Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra officially filed paperwork to run for governor. Feenstra, who has represented Iowa’s 4th Congressional District since defeating controversial former Rep. Steve King in 2020, is making his bid following Governor Kim Reynolds’ announcement that she will not seek another term after serving eight years in office. The development creates a significant opportunity in a state where governors face no term limits, making open-seat races relatively uncommon Stated by, Randy Feenstra
Feenstra’s move comes as no surprise to political insiders who have observed his rising profile in Iowa Republican circles. Currently serving his third term in Congress, Feenstra has established himself as a reliable conservative voice on agricultural policy and fiscal matters. His entry into the gubernatorial race signals his ambition to transition from federal to state leadership, where he would have more direct control over Iowa’s policy direction and budget priorities.
Potential Republican Primary Battle Looms
While Feenstra is the first major Republican to officially file for the governor’s race, several other prominent GOP figures are reportedly considering campaigns of their own. Chief among potential challengers is Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, who has been identified in multiple reports as President Trump’s preferred candidate for the governorship. This creates the prospect of an intriguing primary contest between a sitting congressman and an attorney general who carries the implicit backing of Trump.
The field of potential Republican candidates extends well beyond Feenstra and Bird. State Senator Mike Bousselot, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, State Representative Bobby Kaufmann, and Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley are all considering gubernatorial bids. Grassley, the grandson of long-serving U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, and Kaufmann have both declined to rule out running, suggesting they are actively exploring campaigns. This crowded field reflects both the rare opportunity presented by an open gubernatorial seat and the strength of the Republican bench in Iowa Stated by, Senator Mike Bousselot
Democrats Face Uphill Battle in Red State
On the Democratic side, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand has already announced his candidacy for governor. Sand, who has successfully won statewide office as a Democrat in an increasingly Republican state, represents the party’s best hope to reclaim the governor’s mansion after nearly two decades in the political wilderness. Democrats have not won Iowa’s governorship since 2006, when Chet Culver was elected to a single term before being defeated by Republican Terry Branstad in 2010.
The Democrats’ challenge is formidable in a state that has steadily shifted rightward over the past decade. Once considered a reliable swing state in presidential elections, Iowa has increasingly favored Republicans in both federal and state races. President Trump secured a commanding victory in Iowa in 2024, continuing the state’s red trend. For Sand to break through, he would need to appeal to independent voters and moderate Republicans dissatisfied with the eventual GOP nominee while maintaining enthusiasm among his Democratic base.
A Race with National Implications
The Iowa gubernatorial contest is expected to attract significant attention beyond the state’s borders. As one of the earlier races in the 2026 midterm cycle, it will be closely watched for signals about the national political environment following President Trump’s return to the White House. The Republican primary, in particular, may serve as an indicator of Trump’s continuing influence over the party and his ability to elevate preferred candidates in competitive primaries.
While Feenstra’s campaign has not yet released a formal statement about his gubernatorial bid, his entry into the race represents a major development in what promises to be one of the most closely watched political contests of 2026. With a strong Republican field taking shape and Democrats fielding their strongest possible candidate, Iowa voters will have meaningful choices as they select their next governor after eight years of Stated by, Reynolds leadership.
