Iowa’s political arena just got spicier: U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, quietly filed paperwork to chase the governor’s mansion in 2026. The move, slyly dropped on Monday, May 12, 2025, signals Feenstra’s ambition to swap Capitol Hill for Des Moines. Buckle up—this race is about to get wild.
Fox News reported that Feenstra, a Republican stalwart, aims to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds, who bowed out of a third term last month, leaving the field wide open. His filing with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board marks the first concrete step toward a gubernatorial bid.
Before this, Feenstra served as a state senator from 2009 to 2020, building a reputation as a steady conservative hand.
He ousted the polarizing Rep. Steve King in the 2020 GOP primary, proving he’s not afraid to take on big names. That grit could serve him well in a crowded primary.
Feenstra’s political resume isn’t just a flash in the pan. From Sioux County treasurer to state senator, he’s climbed the ladder with calculated precision. Now, as the only Iowa congressman eyeing the governor’s seat, he’s betting his experience sets him apart.
“I’m focused on fulfilling… Trump’s agenda,” Feenstra said on April 23, 2025, dodging governor talk like a seasoned pro. Nice try, Randy—filing paperwork isn’t exactly “staying focused” on D.C. duties. It’s a classic politician’s pivot, and Iowans aren’t blind to it.
Still, Feenstra’s coyness is strategic: he’s “considering what’s best for our state,” he told reporters. That’s code for testing the waters while keeping his House seat warm. Smart, but don’t expect voters to swoon over indecision.
The 2026 Republican primary is shaping up to be a circus. Former state Rep. Brad Sherman jumped in early, launching his campaign in February 2025. Others, like state Sen. Mike Bousselot, are circling with exploratory committees, ready to pounce.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and House Speaker Pat Grassley—yes, Chuck’s grandson—are also mulling runs. A field this packed means Feenstra will need more than name recognition to stand out. He’ll have to bring his A-game to avoid getting lost in the noise.
Meanwhile, Feenstra’s congressional colleagues are sitting this one out. Reps. Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Zach Nunn have all said “no thanks” to the governor’s race. Good call—why dive into a shark tank when you’ve got a comfy House seat?
On the Democratic side, Iowa Auditor Rob Sand tossed his hat in the ring the same day as Feenstra. Sanders’ move ensures the 2026 election won’t be a GOP coronation. But let’s be real: in ruby-red Iowa, Democrats face an uphill slog.
Reynolds’ exit in April 2025 sparked this frenzy, and Feenstra was quick to start “considering” his options. Her decision not to run again opened the floodgates for ambitious Republicans. Actions have consequences, Kim, and you’ve unleashed a political free-for-all.
Feenstra’s silence on his campaign launch is deafening. No public announcement, just a filing—classic move to gauge support without committing. In a state fed up with woke nonsense, that low-key approach might just resonate.
Feenstra’s track record—county treasurer, state senator, congressman—shows he’s no political lightweight. His 2020 takedown of Steve King proved he can play hardball. But a governor’s race is a different beast, and he’ll need to sharpen his elbows.
The primary’s crowding could play to Feenstra’s advantage if he positions himself as the steady, anti-woke choice. Sherman’s early start and Bousselot’s exploratory moves suggest a long, bruising fight ahead. Feenstra better have a game plan beyond “Trump’s agenda.”
Iowa’s future hangs in the balance, and Feenstra’s bid is a bold step into the fray. Whether he can outmaneuver a field of heavyweights remains to be seen. One thing’s clear: this race is no place for the faint of heart.