Iowa Rep. Randy Feenstra (R) on Tuesday officially entered the race for governor in his state.
In a campaign launch video, the Iowa congressman emphasized his relationship with President Trump and touted his support for the president’s sweeping tax and spending bill passed earlier this year. He also railed against his likely Democratic opponent, Rob Sand, the state’s auditor.
“Feenstra has always stood tall to fight for his home. That’s why he authored the largest tax cut in Iowa history,” a narrator said in Feenstra’s video, which was packed with subtle references to the congressman’s reported height of 6 feet 5 inches.
“As our governor, Randy Feenstra will always stand tall, but Rob Sand will say anything to climb the political ladder,” the video continued.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) announced in April that she would not seek reelection in 2026, paving the way for an open election in a high-stakes midterm elections year. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) also announced she would not seek reelection next year.
Next year will mark the first time since 1968 that two statewide top-of-ticket races will be open seats, The Associated Press reported. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s (R-Iowa) congressional seat will also be open, since she has entered the race to succeed Ernst.
Feenstra’s congressional district is heavily Republican and does not likely present a pickup opportunity for Democrats, who are hoping to retake the majority in the House in next year’s midterms.
Feenstra was first elected to the seat in 2020, succeeding Rep. Steve King (R), who lost his seat amid growing controversy involving past support for white supremacist groups.
The Feenstra ad highlights the lawmaker’s work to enact Trump’s agenda, specifically “ending taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security” through legislation approved over the summer, as well as “keeping men out of girls’ sports and stopping China from buying our land.”
