Iowa

Randy Feenstra launches exploratory committee as he weighs gubernatorial run in 2026

Published

10 months ago

May 13, 2025

Randy Feenstra launches exploratory committee as he weighs gubernatorial run in 2026

Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra has launched an exploratory committee as he signals strong interest in running for governor of Iowa in 2026.

“Since Governor (Kim) Reynolds announced her decision not to seek re-election, Iowans from every corner of the state and walk of life have asked me to run,” he said in a statement Tuesday, May 13. “The outpouring of encouragement and my desire to continue giving back to our great state has brought me to today’s announcement. I want to thank Governor Reynolds for her strong, conservative leadership for Iowa.”

Feenstra is in his third term representing Iowa’s 4^th Congressional District, which spans 36 counties in northwest Iowa and along the full western edge of the state. It is, by far, the state’s most conservative congressional district, which could give him an edge with likely Republican primary voters.

He won the seat in 2020 after ousting longtime U.S. Rep. Steve King in a Republican primary. And he handily won reelection in 2022 and 2024 as an incumbent.

Feenstra filed the paperwork necessary for a gubernatorial campaign May 12 with Iowa’s Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

In a release, he touted his commitment to supporting Republican President Donald Trump’s agenda.

“I’ve stood with President Trump and fought against Joe Biden’s radical policies,” he said in a statement. “I’ve led the fight to stop Communist China from buying our farmland and backed President Trump every step of the way as we’ve secured the border. I’m fighting every day to renew the Trump Tax Cuts, protect the family budget, and support our main street businesses. As governor, I will stand with President Trump, defeat the left, and help usher in America’s next golden age.”

He said he will begin raising money and having conversations with Iowans around the state.

If Feenstra does enter the race, he would do so with a strong financial advantage. He’s legally allowed to transfer the money from his congressional fundraising accounts into a state campaign for governor. He reported ending the last quarter with about $1.6 million in cash on hand that could help seed a gubernatorial campaign.

The seat opened after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds made a surprise announcement in April that she would not seek reelection in 2026.

Former Republican state Rep. Brad Sherman had said prior to Reynolds’ announcement that he would run for governor.

Multiple other Republicans have signaled their interest in the race since Reynolds’ announcement. They include Attorney General Brenna Bird, state Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, state Sen. Mike Bousselot, House Speaker Pat Grassley and state Rep. Bobby Kaufmann. Bousselot has also launched a formal exploratory committee.

Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand announced May 12 he would seek his party’s nomination.

Sand also enters the race with a sizeable financial advantage. He announced at the end of last year he had raised more than $8 million. And he announced May 13 that his campaign had raised $2.25 million in his campaign’s first 24 hours.

Democrats sought to undermine Feenstra’s potential candidacy after news broke that he had filed paperwork with the state.

“Whether in Washington or Des Moines, Congressman Randy Feenstra has been a reliable foot soldier for the misguided partisans and insiders ruining our state,” Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said in a statement. “Meanwhile, Iowa is now 49th in economic growth and losing manufacturing jobs while Rep. Feenstra has failed to deliver a farm bill, voted to gut Medicaid, and supported Iowa’s unaccountable voucher program that’s jeopardizing Iowa’s fiscal budget. We need a new direction and Randy Feenstra is just more of the same failed leadership.”

Feenstra is scheduled to hold his annual fundraiser, the Feenstra Family Picnic, May 30 in Sioux Center alongside U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio.

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.

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Iowa

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Published

5 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Iowa lawmakers at a standstill over pipeline fight that could shape landowners’ rights

Lawmakers have yet to agree on whether private companies should be allowed to use eminent domain for a proposed carbon capture pipeline, leaving landowners and industry groups waiting on an outcome that could have lasting impacts across the state.

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Iowa

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

Published

17 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

3 key bills that survived the Iowa funnel deadline — and 2 that didn’t

The Iowa Legislature’s 2nd funnel deadline put an expiration date on dozens of bills that failed to advance far enough this session. Here’s a quick rundown:

The Iowa Legislature’s second funnel deadline has passed, closing the door on dozens of proposed bills.

The self-imposed deadline requires bills to have passed one chamber and be approved by a committee in the opposite chamber by March 20 or be relegated to the trash heap.

What Iowa bills missed the cut?

Among the casualties: bills that would have allowed community colleges to offer some four-year degrees and eliminated all school vaccination requirements.

What Iowa bills made the cut?

Other bills remain alive, including legislation restricting the governor’s emergency powers, allowing Iowans to buy ivermectin over the counter without a prescription and limiting tuition increases at Iowa’s public universities.

What big issues are hung up?

Republicans, who control the Iowa House and Senate, have yet to strike deals on two of the top issues of the legislative session: property tax relief and eminent domain restrictions.

“There are some heavy lifts obviously,” Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh, R-Spillville, told reporters. “Property taxes, eminent domain conversation, and budgeting.”

What was the fate of dozens of other Iowa bills?

If you’re looking for a more complete list of bills that lived and died, read our exhaustive roundup of education, health care, business, state government and law enforcement and courts legislation.

Portions of this article appeared in the Des Moines Register’s politics newsletter. Don’t miss out. Sign up here.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.

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Iowa

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

We have officially closed the book on the 2025-26 Iowa girls high school basketball season with the crowning of state champions and individual all-state and player of the year awards being handed out by High School on SI.

Now, we take a sneak peek towards 2026-27 with a look at some of the top junior players in Iowa girls high school basketball. All numbers are from those listed on Bound.

Iowa Girls High School Basketball: Top Returning Juniors

Melina Snoozy, Sioux City Bishop Heelan

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Snoozy was dominant this past winter again, averaging 21.2 points to lead all juniors while adding eight rebounds, three assists and over two steals per game.

Kylee Pexa, Dunkerton

In addition to her 19 points a game, Pexa contributed almost five steals, five assists and 3.5 rebounds a game.

Ainley Ulrich, North Union

Ulrich nearly helped the Warriors reach the state tournament this past year after posting 20 points with five rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.

Izzy Gilbertson, Mount Ayr

At nearly 21 points and over nine rebounds per game, Gilbertson is a tough opponent to slow down. She also blocked four shots a night with 3.6 assists and 3.6 steals.

Maryn Franken, Sioux Center

Franken posted 20 points per game with nearly nine rebounds while also averaging six steals, three assists and a block to her stat line.

Taryn Petersen, Exira-EHK

Petersen was just a shade under 20 points per game for her team, adding in over six steals, five assists and four rebounds.

Cora Sauer, Lake Mills

Lake Mills went as Sauer did, reaching the regional final before falling to Bishop Garrigan. She contributed 19.7 points, six rebounds, almost four steals and just under four assists a game.

Lizzy Frazell, Waverly-Shell Rock

Frazell and the Go-Hawks continue to make a strong statement, as she finished the year averaging 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

Addy Wolfswinkel, Cherokee Washington

Wolfswinkel recently committed to Omaha to play volleyball, but she is strong on the basketball court as well, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.5 steals.

Maggie McChesney, Glenwood

In addition to her 19.5 points per game, McChesney averaged eight rebounds, 3.5 steals, three assists and over a block.

KeaOnna Worley, Cedar Rapids Prairie

Watch out for a big senior season from Worley after producing 18 points, nearly five assists, over four rebounds and two steals.

Graclyn Eastman, Bishop Garrigan

Eastman and the Golden Bears reached the finals this past season in Class 1A, as she averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, three steals and two assists.

Katie Muller, Dowling Catholic

The Maroons will lean heavily on Muller next year, as she steps in for sister Ellie Muller. This past year, she averaged 16.5 points, six rebounds, 3.6 assists and a steal.