(Des Moines, IA) — Contenders are still lining up to succeed Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds after she announced she will not be seeking a third term. One of those who will not run for Governor is Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley who announced on Friday his intention to run for re-election in the Iowa House.
Grassley, the grandson of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, had previously said he would consider a run for governor but instead he felt he could best serve Iowans in the House “strengthening our schools (and) passing common-sense protections for children,” but Grassley said there’s “still more to do.” Grassley serves Iowa District 57 which includes all of Butler County and parts of Bremer County in north central Iowa.
The first Republican to declare his candidacy was Williamsburg Pastor and former State Representative Brad Sherman. State Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny has formed an exploratory committee to raise money for a governor campaign but has not declared he would formally run. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, is raising money for a campaign for governor and Attorney General Brenna Bird is considering a run for governor in 2026. Earlier this month, State Representative Eddie Andrews of Johnston kicked off a campaign for the GOP’s nomination for governor.
There’s also likely to be a Democratic Primary for governor in 2026. Rob Sand, the state auditor, and Julie Stauch, an advisor to several Democratic candidates over the past 25 years, both launched campaigns this spring.
