Iowa's 4th Congressional District draws big names and big questions ahead of 2026
Sixteen months before Election Day, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is already drawing big names, and big questions, about who could represent northwest Iowa in Congress.
Sixteen months before Election Day, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is already drawing big names, and big questions, about who could represent northwest Iowa in Congress.
Sixteen months before Election Day, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is already drawing big names, and big questions, about who could represent northwest Iowa in Congress.
Sixteen months before Election Day, Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is already drawing big names, and big questions, about who could represent northwest Iowa in Congress.
Congressman Randy Feenstra is likely to run for governor in 2026, which would open up his reliably Republican seat. Political experts say that could spark a high-profile GOP primary.
“The 4th District is essentially two to one Republican, at least,” said Simpson College political science professor Kedron Bardwell. “Really, what to know about the 4th District is, the person that wins the primary is going to win the general election.”
Republican House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl has officially launched his campaign. He’ll face Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan. Both are seen as serious contenders with different backgrounds.
“I think if you look at Windschitl, he’s known mostly for the gun issue … that seemed to propel him closer toward leadership,” Bardwell said. “It stands to be seen if this candidate who comes out of the Siouxland Chamber has the ability to stretch the message beyond low taxes, less regulation, to some of those other economic issues that Trump voters care about.”
Former Republican Party of Iowa Chair David Oman says even though the district remains solidly Republican, the fight for the nomination could be intense.
“It’s conservative, mostly rural, hence mostly Republican. There will be a spirited primary there," Oman said. "The nomination in that district is very, very much worth having.”
Experts say national politics could play a major role, too, especially if President Trump endorses a candidate.
“You’re going to get lots of interest, lots of media attention, and also lots of candidates probably vying for the Trump endorsement, which I think in a race like this would be absolutely essential and basically would put you over the top,” Bardwell said.
Hot-button issues like eminent domain could also come up.
“The eminent domain issue has become a flashpoint issue in this state… But will it be a topic in that race? Absolutely. Particularly if there’s a different point of view among the two candidates,” Oman said.
State Senator Lynn Evans is still considering whether to join the race. And with an open seat, experts say more Republicans may jump in, knowing that winning the primary in Iowa's 4th District could all but guarantee a seat in Congress.
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