Iowa State Treasurer Rob Sand and Rep. Randy Feenstra have announced their campaigns for governor in 2026 following incumbent Governor Kim Reynolds' surprise decision not to seek reelection. Sand aims to disrupt GOP leadership with $8 million in campaign funds and a platform that includes legalizing marijuana. Meanwhile, Feenstra, a Republican serving his third congressional term, joins a field that includes several prominent GOP figures such as Attorney General Brenna Bird and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Political observers note the competitive nature of the upcoming primaries and the challenges both candidates face in a state trending Republican.