House Republican Randy Feenstra Takes Major Step Toward Gubernatorial Run
Rep. Randy Feenstra, a House Republican from Iowa, is making significant strides in his bid for governor by launching a campaign finance committee composed of 47 top donors and business leaders. The move signals his imminent announcement of a campaign for the 2026 gubernatorial election, following Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to step down after two terms. Feenstra, who has represented Iowa’s 4th Congressional District since 2021, has taken several steps in the campaign process, including filing an organizing committee for his gubernatorial bid.
The committee includes notable figures such as Kurt Croell, the owner of a concrete company who has previously supported both Governor Reynolds and President Donald Trump, and members of the Doll family, who own the beer company Doll Distributing. West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble and Nutratech executives Andy and Russ Kosky are also among the committee members. This finance committee is seen as a crucial step in securing the resources necessary for a successful gubernatorial campaign.
Feenstra’s candidacy adds to an increasingly crowded field of Republican candidates, with other prominent names like Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, grandson of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird also considering bids for the open seat. The GOP primary could become a highly competitive race, with multiple candidates vying for the nomination. On the Democratic side, candidates like Iowa auditor Rob Sand and Julie Stauch, who previously served as Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 Iowa political director, have already declared their intent to run for governor.
The campaign finance committee is part of a broader strategy to build a strong support base and gather the necessary resources for a successful gubernatorial run. As Feenstra prepares to officially announce his candidacy, the state of Iowa is poised for a significant political shift as the 2026 election approaches. The outcome of this race could have far-reaching implications for the state’s future political landscape.