• U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn had previously taken the option of running for governor off the table.
• Now that Attorney General Brenna Bird has decided to forego a campaign, a senior source within Nunn’s operation said the primary field is “reset.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn is reconsidering his decision to run for governor in 2026 now that Attorney General Brenna Bird has decided to forego a campaign, a senior source within Nunn’s operation told the Des Moines Register.

Nunn, who is serving in one of the country’s top targeted congressional districts, had previously taken the option of running for governor off the table.

“The reality is, Brenna choosing not to run changes the dynamics of the race tremendously,” the source said. “So in our view, the primary is reset.”

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds made a surprise announcement in April that she would not seek reelection, opening up the potential for a crowded Republican primary to succeed her.

Bird, a Republican, was one of Republican President Donald Trump’s highest profile Iowa endorsers in the lead-up to the 2024 Iowa caucuses, and she was expected by many to jump into the gubernatorial race with Trump’s endorsement. But she announced July 2 she would instead run for reelection as attorney general.

A Trump endorsement would have given Bird an enormous edge with a Republican primary electorate that is still very supportive of the president.

If Nunn does choose to run for governor, rather than seek reelection, the 3rd District race would face its own reset.

Nunn flipped the swing district in favor of Republicans in 2022 and held the closely contested seat again 2024.

Elections analysts at the Cook Political Report rate the race as “leans Republican.” But without an incumbent Republican defending it, the 3rd District could become more competitive.

So far, two Democratic candidates — state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott and state Rep. Jennifer Konfrst — have launched congressional campaigns against Nunn.

The source within Nunn’s operation said their team would be helpful in finding a successor to run in his place, and they believe a strong candidate at the top of the ticket will boost Republicans’ prospects across the board.

Two other Republicans have already formed gubernatorial campaigns: state Rep. Eddie Andrews and former state legislator Brad Sherman. 

And U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and state Sen. Mike Bousselot have mounted exploratory committees. Some of Feenstra’s colleagues endorsed his campaign following Bird’s announcement, including U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Feenstra in particular has moved aggressively toward a formal launch, including launching statewide television ads.

State Auditor Rob Sand and political operative Julie Stauch have launched campaigns on the Democratic side.

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.