Congressman Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) is one of five Republicans running for the Iowa GOP’s gubernatorial nomination in what is shaping up to be a tight race to the primaries. Feenstra is a lifelong Iowan from Hull who continues to reside in the town where he grew up. Following his graduation from Dordt University, Feenstra’s career path took him to various places. From working in sales for the Hull-based Foreign Candy Company and teaching business courses at Dordt to public service roles as Hull’s city administrator and later in the Iowa Senate, Feenstra believes Iowans deserve a governor who understands the “Iowan Dream.”
Feenstra was first elected to Congress in 2020 after beating incumbent Rep. Steve King in the GOP primaries. Feenstra says serving Iowans in the nation’s capital was the opportunity of a lifetime, but he feels he can do more good back home than in D.C., especially after the reconciliation battle that shut down the federal government for 43 days last fall.
Feenstra adds he also wants to return home to continue leading Iowa’s recent efforts to pare back government where possible while also providing efficient, quality service to Iowans, be it through education, health care, or agriculture policy.
Recently, Feenstra has faced criticism from his primary opponents and some voter groups for not appearing at GOP primary debates and town halls alongside the other candidates. Feenstra acknowledges that criticism, but reminds voters that his responsibility to represent Iowans in Congress doesn’t end just because he’s running for governor.
He adds he wants Iowa to be a place where truth isn’t considered uncivil, and Iowans can debate contentious ideas without fear. Feenstra made his comments prior to a Friday campaign stop in Carroll. Other candidates seeking the GOP’s gubernatorial nomination include District 43 State Rep. Eddie Andrews, former District 91 Rep. Brad Sherman, former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen, and Iowa farmer and businessman Zach Lahn. Current Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.
