Feenstra leads primary in fundraising but faces grassroots backlash

US Rep. Randy Feenstra enters the 2026 Iowa gubernatorial primary as the fundraising frontrunner, but roiling discontent among Republican activists threatens to undermine his campaign.

US Rep. Randy Feenstra has an ideal perch in the Iowa Republican primary for governor. 

The northwestern Iowa congressman raised $4.3 million in his campaign’s first seven months, fundraising circles around his primary rivals. He has built a significant financial advantage with more than $3 million in the bank.

He’s secured early endorsements from Iowa Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, US Sen. Joni Ernst, US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and a list of state legislators, positioning himself as the establishment choice to succeed Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds, who is not seeking reelection, told Radio Iowa that she will not be endorsing ahead of the June primary. 

This week, The Des Moines Register reported that Feenstra was touting his work in Congress at several Iowa Caucus visits across Polk and Dallas counties.

“This is the time where the Republican Party gets together, talks about policy, and talks about how we’re going to make sure that we keep this state red, making sure that we don’t get extreme liberals running this great state,” he told the Register. “So that’s what’s happening today, and I’m so excited. This is the grassroots. These are the people that door knock. They put out the signs and everything like that. So it’s fun to be a part of it.”

But Feenstra’s apparent strategy has sparked some fires in the grassroots. He has notably been missing from debates with his primary challengers:

• State Rep. Eddie Andrews (R-Johnson)
• Zach Lahn, a former state director for Americans for Prosperity
• former state Rep. Brad Sherman 
• Adam Steen, the former director for the Iowa Department of Administrative Services 

A petition circulated among Iowa Republicans has gathered over 650 signatures begging President Donald Trump not to endorse him. In Iowa’s Congressional and statewide raises, a Trump endorsement is seen as the most decisive campaign asset. The petitioners worried that Feenstra’s time in DC would lock up Trump’s support before other candidates had a chance.

“Iowa Republicans deserve the opportunity to fully vet and choose our nominee through the democratic process without external influence tipping the scales prematurely,” the petition said.

The backlash intensified after Feenstra skipped a Moms for Liberty debate while in Des Moines the same day, drawing sharp rebukes from his primary opponents. 

“It’s like throwing a middle finger at all of you. … He doesn’t need to campaign like Joe Biden did in 2020 or whatever that year was,” said Andrews. “I think every Iowa should look at that. If they can’t be here now, they’re not gonna be there for you if you nominate them.”

Steen warned Republicans would be “toast” in November if they nominate Feenstra. Even prominent conservative Bob Vander Plaats tweeted “the only one who lost tonight” was Feenstra.

Moms for Liberty provided very informative Iowa Governor Debate.

⁦WHO Radio’s @RealSimonConway⁩ along with Mom’s for Liberty ⁦@TinaDescovich⁩ did an outstanding job moderating.

The only one who lost tonight was ⁦@RandyFeenstra⁩ (see empty podium) pic.twitter.com/LLeH3f7E5h

— Bob Vander Plaats (@bobvanderplaats) January 28, 2026

“There’s a tried and true way that consultants tell you: if you can get enough money with the establishment candidate, you can avoid doing all of these things,” Lahn said.

As of his visit with Feenstra in Iowa last week, Trump had not given him the nod—despite spending the day together and endorsing candidates in neighboring states.

While his primary challengers try to coax him to debate, Feenstra still enjoys significant advantages in support. His fundraising advantage alone could carry him through the primary—even as questions mount about his ability to energize conservatives in November against well-funded Democrat Rob Sand.