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Republican Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl is entering the race for Congress in Iowa’s 4th congressional district. He's expected to launch his campaign on Tuesday, saying he feels called to run after nearly two decades in the state legislature.Republican incumbent Rep. Randy Feenstra is expected to run for governor, which would create a wide-open race in the 4th congressional district. Windschitl said he aims to support President Trump's agenda while ensuring Iowa's needs are met, differentiating himself from the growing field of Republican candidates with his extensive legislative experience and dedication to public service.In an interview with ����vlog, Windschitl said, initially, running for Congress was "not something necessarily wanted to do." But encouragement from his family and constituents pushed him to consider it. “Session ended, and I took about a day to truly think about it talk to the two most important people in my life, my daughters,” Windschitl said. “They both said, Dad, you’ve got a skill set and a talent for this type of work and for public service, you should at least explore the options.” After that conversation, Windschitl said he decided he'd launch a campaign."It's one of those things where if God has given me the opportunity and he's given me the necessary tools, the heart of service, why not at least explore the options?" he said. "I feel called to do this."If elected to Congress, Windschitl said his top three priorities would be protecting freedom, addressing the national debt and strengthening national security. “We've got to get government out of the way,” he said. “How do we make the government work for the people, not against the people?”On the growing national deficit, Windschitl acknowledged its complexity but stressed the need for action. “We’ve got to get a stranglehold on how much debt that we have, because all we’re doing is saddling the next generation with the sins of the father, if you will,” he said.He added that he would work to protect national security, both at the border and internationally. “We have to make sure that we continue to be the powerhouse on the globe," Windschitl said. "When we have allies that are under attack, we help them.”Windschitl, 41, was born in Marshalltown and grew up in several states before returning to Iowa as a teenager. He joined the Marine Corps at age 17 and served in Iraq before returning home to Iowa. He was elected to the state legislature at age 22, sworn in at 23, and rose through the ranks to assistant leader, speaker pro tempore and eventually majority leader.Windschitl said during his time in the Iowa House, he's developed a proven track record in protecting conservative values, passing tax cuts, and supporting Second Amendment rights. "Look at how many times we've cut taxes. Not just individual income taxes, but we've tried to address property taxes. We've addressed business taxes," he said. "How many times have we gone out and we've helped agricultural industry? How many times have we gone out and fought for basic freedoms and liberties for Iowans? And that's been under my time in legislature and under my leadership in the legislature. So, I've got a proven track record."With incumbent Rep. Randy Feenstra likely not seeking reelection, Iowa’s 4th congressional district is poised for a crowded Republican primary. Republican Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan has already launched a campaign, and other GOP contenders are expected to join the race. Given the district’s strong Republican tilt, where registered Republicans significantly outnumber Democrats, the primary is widely anticipated to be far more competitive than the general election, where any Democratic challenger would face steep odds.Looking ahead to the primary, Windschitl said what sets him apart is a “proven track record” of conservative leadership. "I will stack my 19 going on 20 years of service fighting for conservative values, freedoms, advancing so many different priorities over that time, almost two decades, I'll stack my track record up against anybody else. And if the voters want me, then they'll choose me."