Campaign Almanac: Feenstra announces 1st endorsement in his gubernatorial bid

DES MOINES — Randy Feenstra’s newly official campaign for governor has its first endorsement: Eastern Iowa state lawmaker Craig Johnson.

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Johnson, a Republican Iowa House member from Independence, endorsed Feenstra on Friday, according to a Feenstra campaign press release.

Feenstra, a Republican Western Iowa Congressman and former state legislator from Hull, officially declared his candidacy for governor on Tuesday. He had been exploring a run for governor since May.

“I was one of the first state legislators in Iowa to endorse President Trump. And now, I’m endorsing Randy Feenstra because he will implement the ‘America First’ agenda in Iowa and take our state to new heights,” Johnson said in the campaign press release. “Randy has a vision to take Iowa to new heights, and that’s what our state needs. Someone who loves Iowa, wants the best for our families, and shares the values that make Iowa such a special place.”

Feenstra is one of four Republicans seeking their party’s nomination in Iowa’s 2026 open-seat election for governor; the others are Johnston state legislator Eddie Andrews, former state agency director Adam Steen of Runnells, and Williamsburg pastor and former state legislator Brad Sherman. State legislator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny is considering a run.

Two Democrats are actively seeking their party’s nomination for governor: state auditor Rob Sand and West Des Moines political consultant Julie Stauch.

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Union endorses Konfrst in Democratic primary

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A Central Iowa communications workers union endorsed Jennifer Konfrst in the Democratic primary in Central Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District election.

Communication Workers for America (CWA) Local 7102 endorsed Konfrst, a state legislator from Windsor Heights.

Konfrst and fellow state legislator Sarah Trone Garriott of West Des Moines are seeking their party’s nomination to challenge Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.

“She’s been a strong voice for unions and working people, and she’s ready to fight for us in Congress,” CWA Local 7102 Secretary-Treasurer and Legislative Chair Mark Rocha said in a Konfrst campaign press release. “Whether it’s at the statehouse or on the picket line, we know Jennifer has always had the back of working Iowans and I know she’ll have our backs in Congress.”

Iowa’s primary election is June 2.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

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