Iowa
Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026
Rep. Ashley Hinson holds town hall in Mason City. Here’s what she said
Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, speaks during a public town hall at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Thursday, April 24, 2025.
U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson has ruled out a run for Iowa governor, saying she is instead committed to her work in Washington, D.C., amid a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for Republicans.
“I have been humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from people all across Iowa asking me to run for governor,” she said in a statement provided exclusively to the Des Moines Register. “After much prayer and conversation with family and friends, I have decided to stay focused on my mission in Washington, working with President Trump to Make America Great Again. We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to make real, lasting change in our country right now, and I’m committed to the fight to make Washington run more like Iowa.”
The decision comes as Republicans across the state weigh whether to enter an open primary to succeed Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Reynolds surprised Iowa’s political community by announcing she would not seek a third full term as governor.
Even though she won’t run, Hinson said she plans to help ensure Reynolds’ successor is a Republican.
“I am also committed to electing a conservative governor in Iowa — I’ll be out on the campaign trail doing everything I can to help keep Iowa the best place in the world to call home,” she said in the statement. “It is a tremendous honor to serve Iowans every day, and I will always work as hard as I can for you.”
A handful of Republicans have publicly expressed interest in running.
They include 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who told the Register he is keeping his options open.
A trio of state representatives — Pat Grassley, Bobby Kaufmann and Mike Bousselot — have said they’re interested in exploring the opportunity. Bousselot recently launched an exploratory committee to more formally consider the possibility.
And two statewide officials — Attorney General Brenna Bird and Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig — have said they are thinking and praying about the decision.
Former state Rep. Brad Sherman has already launched a campaign.
On the Democratic side, Auditor Rob Sand is expected to launch a campaign, although he has not made a formal announcement.
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.