House Republican files paperwork to run for Iowa governor in 2026, replacing Kim Reynolds

Iowa GOP Rep. Randy Feenstra on Monday filed paperwork to run for Iowa governor next year, as Republicans in the Hawk-eye state weigh who could replace Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Reynolds, a popular Republican governor, announced last month that she was not seeking a third term in office, stating she wanted to spend more time with her family. She has been an ally of President Donald Trump.

Feenstra has not commented on the filing so far, but maintained in social media posts and to reporters last month that he was devoted to passing Trump's agenda. But he's been openly mulling the bid since Reynolds announced her decision.

“I’ll tell you right now, I’m focused on fulfilling and making sure that we get Trump’s agenda completed,” Feenstra told reporters last month. “However, I always want to do what’s best for our state, and I will continue to look at all aspects of what that looks like.”

Other possible contenders for the post include Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, state House Speaker Pat Grassley,  former Iowa state Rep. Brad Sherman, and former state Sen. Mike Bousselot, according to The Hill. 

Bird and Grassley, the grandson of Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley, have not announced their candidacies so far.

Auditor Rob Sand is the sole Democrat seeking his party's nomination for the post, in a predominantly conservative state.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.