Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley to seek re-election; won’t run for governor

Republican Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley announced Friday he will seek re-election to the Iowa House, forgoing a run for governor in 2026.

Grassley, 42, a Republican and farmer from New Hartford, was first elected in 2006 and has served as House speaker since 2020. He previously chaired the House budget-writing committee, and is the grandson of longtime Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley.

He was among several Republicans who said they were considering a run for governor after Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in April that she would not seek re-election.

Grassley announced in a newsletter Friday that he will run again for House District 57 in northeastern Iowa, which includes Butler County and part of Bremer County.

House Republicans grew their majority during his tenure to a 67-seat supermajority, their first in more than 50 years. He’s led House Republicans in passing tax cuts, abortion restrictions, taxpayer-funded Education Savings Accounts families can use to pay private school costs, and several bills aimed at eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion offices from the state's public universities, community colleges and private campuses.

"When I reflect on my time serving our area since 2007, I have so much gratitude for the trust you've placed in me as your representative in the Iowa House," Grassley said in the newsletter. "It's an honor to work on your behalf, and today, I'm excited to announce that I will be seeking re-election to House District 57 in the 2026 election."

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He said Statehouse Republican have delivered significant wins for Iowans “lowering taxes, strengthening our schools, passing common sense protections for children, and supporting our rural communities,” but said there is “still more to do.”

“I believe I can best serve our district by continuing to represent you in the Statehouse, fighting for the values and priorities that make our communities strong,” Grassley said. “… My commitment remains rooted in the three roles that define me: serving as your voice in the Iowa House, being a dedicated father to my children, and working the land as a farmer. I’m driven to balance these responsibilities while delivering results for you.”

Reynolds’ surprise announcement created a wide-open race that presents opportunities for both Republicans and Democrats. It’s the first time an incumbent will not appear on the ballot in the race for Iowa governor since 2006.

Both the Republican and Democratic primary fields continue to take shape.

Republican state Rep. Eddie Andrews, of Johnston, and former state lawmaker Brad Sherman, a Republican from Williamsburg, have launched campaigns. Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, has formed an exploratory committee, raised nearly $4 million and has aired statewide TV ads as he aggressively moves toward a formal run.

Republican state Sen. Mike Bousselot, of Ankeny, has also announced an exploratory campaign for governor.

Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird has teased a run for governor, posting a video to social media that includes a series of clips of Trump praising Bird for being an early supporter.

On the Democratic side, State Auditor Rob Sand and Julie Stauch, a consultant and adviser to several Democratic candidates from West Des Moines, both launched campaigns this spring.

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