Randy Feenstra

Five Republicans are running to be their party’s nominee for governor. The winner of the June primary will face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in what’s expected to be a very competitive election in the fall. While a U.S. congressman is considered the frontrunner in the primary, the other candidates and voters don’t all see it as a done deal.

During a candidate forum in Sioux City, three Democrats competing for a chance to flip Iowa’s most conservative congressional district highlighted shared priorities more than sharp differences ahead of the June 2 primary.

Rep. Randy Feenstra and his challengers took turns appealing to conservative voters at a Des Moines fundraiser. It was the first event of the primary season where all five GOP candidates made an appearance in person.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, a Republican running for governor, said private schools should accept all students who want to attend, as Iowa continues providing state funding to help Iowans pay for private school tuition.

Former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad endorsed U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra in the 2026 Republican primary for governor. The Family Leader, a Christian conservative organization, is backing Adam Steen in the primary.

Five Republicans and one Democrat will appear as candidates for governor on Iowa ballots in the June 2 primary elections, according to the final candidate list released by the Iowa Secretary of State.