From Politico: 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.
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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 released a campaign video Tuesday morning, and announced on X, “It’s official! I’m running to be the next Governor of Iowa to take our state to new heights. Working with President Trump, we will build a stronger Iowa and keep the liberal, progressive agenda out of our state.”
It’s official!
I’m running to be the next Governor of Iowa to take our state to new heights.
Working with President Trump, we will build a stronger Iowa and keep the liberal,
progressive agenda out of our state. pic.twitter.com/54bM8CtYgo— Randy Feenstra (@RandyFeenstra) October 28, 2025
Feenstra actually filed his paperwork back in May for a potential 2026 run for governor of Iowa, so his official announcement has been expected.
Feenstra previously served in the Iowa state Senage from 2009 to 2021, and has served in U.S. Congress since January 2021.
He defeated incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King in the GOP primary in 2020, then defeated the Democrat candidate in the November 2020 general election by nearly 25 points.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) confirmed her support for Feenstra, writing on X, “Randy Feenstra delivers for Iowa — and he’ll do the same as our next governor. Let’s go, Randy!”
In another post Tuesday morning, Feenstra added, “I was born and raised in the small community of Hull where I learned the importance of hard work and service to others. Working-class values were instilled in me from a young age. I will always stand tall for Iowa and our way of life.”
I was born and raised in the small community of Hull where I learned the importance of hard work and service to others.
Working-class values were instilled in me from a young age.
I will always stand tall for Iowa and our way of life. pic.twitter.com/vV1jk0OJpF
— Randy Feenstra (@RandyFeenstra) October 28, 2025
READ MORE from Politico.
Randy Feenstra running for Iowa governor https://t.co/qRM0yD2n2L
— POLITICO (@politico) October 28, 2025
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