President Donald Trump’s visit to Iowa on Tuesday has ignited a firestorm of debate among local Republicans over the 2026 gubernatorial primary.
Trump, set to discuss economic policies and his administration’s goals during his Iowa stop, traveled with Rep. Randy Feenstra, a third-term U.S. House member and gubernatorial frontrunner, on Air Force One to Des Moines. Feenstra, a staunch ally of Trump, has raised $4.3 million from about 2,000 donors in seven months and secured endorsements from key Iowa Republicans like Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer and Sen. Joni Ernst.
Meanwhile, a grassroots coalition named MAGA United has launched a petition with over 250 signatures, asking Trump to refrain from endorsing any candidate, particularly Feenstra, to keep the primary fair.
The issue has sparked intense discussion among Iowa conservatives about the role of external influence in local politics. While Feenstra’s camp touts his alignment with Trump’s agenda, MAGA United and its supporters argue that an endorsement could tilt the scales unfairly. This tension underscores a broader question: should national figures shape state-level primaries?
Feenstra’s relationship with Trump is no secret, as evidenced by his second Air Force One trip with the president in roughly six months, according to Fox News.
His campaign highlights a voting record that includes support for border security, energy production in Iowa, and significant tax cuts for working families. Billy Fuerst, Feenstra’s spokesman, insists the congressman is the only true conservative in the race who has consistently backed Trump’s priorities.
“Randy voted to secure the border, unleash Iowa energy production, and pass the largest tax cuts for working families in U.S. history,” Fuerst declared. Such claims aim to cement Feenstra as the heir to Trump’s legacy in Iowa. But not everyone in the Hawkeye State is buying the narrative.
Some conservatives question whether Feenstra truly represents the base’s priorities, with critics like Iowa state Rep. Jason Gearhart calling him the “absent congressman” based on feedback from constituents. This jab suggests Feenstra might be more D.C. than Des Moines, a critique that could stick if more voices amplify it. The dissatisfaction isn’t just personal—it’s about whether he’s the right fit for Iowa’s future.
MAGA United’s petition, backed by figures like Gearhart and longtime GOP operative Sean Sebourn, argues that Trump staying neutral ensures Iowans pick their governor without outside sway. Their plea isn’t subtle, with over 250 signatories, including influential local Republicans, making their case online. They fear a Trump nod could drown out other candidates who might better reflect grassroots values.
“As proud Iowa Republicans and supporters of President Trump, we are launching this grassroots petition to respectfully ask President Trump to refrain from endorsing any candidate—including Randy Feenstra—in the 2026 Republican primary for Iowa governor,” the petition states. It’s a bold ask, framed as a defense of democratic choice. Yet, it’s hard to ignore that this move might also be strategic, aiming to level a playing field where Feenstra already seems to have a head start.
Signatories like Jennifer Duggan take a softer tone, avoiding personal attacks but questioning Feenstra’s approach. She suggests his past methods don’t match Iowa’s current needs, a polite but pointed critique. It’s less about Feenstra’s character and more about whether he’s the tool for the job, as she creatively puts it.
The stakes in this gubernatorial race are high, as the winner in November will play a pivotal role in the next presidential cycle with the Iowa caucuses looming. Des Moines will once again become a political epicenter, and the governor’s influence could shape national narratives. Feenstra’s early lead and endorsements position him as a heavyweight, but the resistance from MAGA United shows that not all are ready to crown him.
Critics within the petition group, like Sebourn, have even hinted at drastic measures, with reports of him considering support for a Democratic candidate if Feenstra secures the nomination. That’s a startling line in the sand for a GOP operative, revealing just how deep the divide runs. It’s a reminder that party loyalty doesn’t always trump principle—or frustration.
Lori Stiles, another signatory with ties to evangelical conservative circles, emphasizes letting Iowans vet all five gubernatorial candidates before the June 2 primary. Her stance is clear: Trump’s endorsement could unfairly boost one contender over others who deserve a fair shake. It’s a call for patience in a political climate that often rewards snap judgments.
Trump himself has remained mum on the petition and any potential endorsement, leaving both sides guessing about his intentions. His history of impactful endorsements means his silence is as loud as any statement. Will he heed MAGA United’s request or throw his weight behind Feenstra, a proven ally?
The debate isn’t just about one race—it’s about the soul of Iowa’s GOP and who gets to define it. Feenstra’s fundraising and insider support clash with a grassroots push for an untainted primary, setting up a classic establishment-versus-base showdown. It’s a fight worth watching as Iowa’s political future hangs in the balance.
