Campaign Almanac: State lawmakers endorse Randy Feenstra for Iowa governor

DES MOINES — Randy Feenstra’s run for governor has been endorsed by 22 state legislators, including four in leadership positions, Feenstra’s campaign announced Wednesday.

Feenstra represents western Iowa’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House. He has been exploring a campaign for Iowa governor in 2026, and has formed an official campaign with the state.

Republican incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has held the position since 2017, announced earlier this year she will not seek another term.

Feenstra is a former state lawmaker; he served in the Iowa Senate from 2009 to 2020 before running for Congress.

“I’m honored to be endorsed by conservative lawmakers from across the state who have worked diligently to advance a conservative agenda for Iowa. Their work has resulted in lower taxes for Iowa families, a balanced state budget, and strong support for our agricultural communities,” Feenstra said in a news release. “As governor, I will work with these lawmakers and the full legislature to build a strong economy, support our farmers and rural communities, and take Iowa to new heights. We will ensure that our families, farmers, workers, and small businesses can thrive with reduced taxes, less government bureaucracy, and conservative economic policies.”

Among the state lawmakers who endorsed Feenstra for governor are Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore Ken Rozenboom, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Carrie Koelker, House Speaker Pro Tempore John Wills and Assistant House Majority Leader Brent Siegrist.

Previously, Feenstra’s campaign was endorsed by Iowa U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, Iowa U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith.

State legislator Eddie Andrews of Johnston and former state lawmaker Brad Sherman of Williamsburg also are running in the Republican primary for governor; state legislator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny has been exploring a gubernatorial campaign.

Two Democrats also have launched campaigns for governor: Iowa Auditor Rob Sand and West Des Moines consultant Julie Stauch.

Wettach announces initial fundraising

Democratic congressional candidate Taylor Wettach raised more than $175,000 in his campaign’s first 24 hours, his campaign announced.

Wettach, a Muscatine attorney, is running for the U.S. House in Eastern Iowa’s 1st District. He seeks his party’s nomination to challenge Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

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“We are building a movement of folks who believe we can do better than the status quo,” Wettach said in a news release. “Iowans are making clear that they are ready for a new generation of leadership that understands the challenges facing our communities, from the rising costs of housing and health care to child care and groceries. People are ready for something new.”

Also seeking the Democratic nomination in the 1st District are Iowa City attorney Christina Bohannan, who was the party’s nominee in the last two elections; Tiffin health care worker Travis Terrell; and Burlington former state lawmaker Bob Krause.

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