Republican State Sen. Lynn Evans has dropped out of the race for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District.
Evans, of Aurelia, launched an exploratory committee on May 17 as he considered a congressional bid. He announced Wednesday, July 9, that he would instead seek reelection to the Iowa Senate in 2026.
“After visiting with hundreds of Iowans over the past six weeks, and much self-reflection, my passion remains with our work in the Iowa Senate and at the Capitol in Des Moines,” Evans said in a news release. “I remain grateful for this opportunity given to me by my constituents. I intend to earn their continued support between now and next November.”
Evans’ announcement comes the same week that Iowa House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, announced he would seek the Republican nomination in the 4th District. Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan announced his campaign in late June.
Iowa’s 4th Congressional District is the most conservative of Iowa’s four congressional districts, spanning 36 counties in northwestern Iowa and along the full western edge of the state.
The seat is expected to be open in 2026 after incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra filed paperwork May 12 to form an exploratory committee to run for governor.
Evans was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2022, representing Senate District 3, which includes Buena Vista, Osceola and O’Brien counties and portions of Cherokee and Clay counties. He chairs the Senate Education Committee.
Evans touted the work he has done in the Iowa Senate on education issues, restricting abortion, cutting taxes, passing “fiscally responsible budgets” and limiting eminent domain use.
“This work will continue over the next few years, and I remain as committed to this work as I have been since entering the Iowa Senate in 2022,” he said.
Democrat Ryan Melton, who ran against Feenstra in 2022 and 2026, had announced he would run again in 2026. But he suspended his campaign in June, citing changes to his health and employment status.
Democrat Ashley WolfTornabane announced her campaign on July 4.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Republican state Sen. Lynn Evans drops bid for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District
Reporting by Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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