The Iowa Secretary of State’s staff has reviewed nominating petitions and released the list of candidates who’ve been accepted for the 2026 Primary Elections.
There were a few surprises in Iowa’s congressional races. Chris McGowan will be unopposed in the fourth district GOP Primary. At one time there were four other Republicans campaigning in the district, which is currently represented by Randy Feenstra, who’s running for governor.
Christian Schlaefer of Lakota and Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes each announced just last week that they were ending their campaigns. Rhodes took time to endorse McGowan following his announcement.
Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl suspended his campaign in February, while Doug Jensen of Silver City ended his run in December.
Democrats Dan Dawson of Lawton, Stephanie Steiner of Sutherland and Ashley WolfTornabane of Storm Lake have been accepted for the Primary ballot in the fourth district.
Candidates for county offices have until this Friday to file their nominating petitions.
