State Rep. Matt Windschitl has ended his congressional campaign and endorsed Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan.
“After careful consideration, much time in prayer, and a great deal of contemplation about where I can best continue to serve the Lord and my fellow Iowans, I have decided to suspend my campaign for Congress,” Windschitl wrote in an email to supporters Friday Feb. 6.
Windschitl, who stepped down as House majority leader last year to run for Congress, said he does not plan to seek reelection to the Iowa House this fall.
“This was not an easy decision,” he said in the email. “I entered this race to offer strong conservative leadership rooted in service, honesty, and hard work. With recent developments in the race, it became clear that continuing would not best serve our shared goals or the people of the 4th Congressional District.”
Republican President Donald Trump earlier in the week threw his support behind McGowan, endorsing him on social media. That endorsement is likely to be influential in the 4th District, which is Iowa’s most conservative.
Windschitl also reported raising no money in the final quarter of last year, and he ended the year with about $46,800 in the bank.
Windschitl said he ended the campaign with “a heavy heart” but was “deeply grateful for every person who encouraged me, stood with me, volunteered time or financial support, or simply believed in our mission.”
“This is not the end,” he said. “As I complete my 20th year in the Iowa House, I will continue to serve Iowa and endeavor to find additional avenues to give back to the community and fight for our shared conservative values. Public service remains a calling for me, and I am committed to staying engaged in the work that matters.”
Three Republicans remain in the 4th District race: McGowan, Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes and software consultant Christian Schlaefer.
“As I have traveled through the 4th District I have come to know and respect Chris McGowan, not only for his ability to lead but also his dedication to service,” Windschitl said. “He is a honorable man and he has my full endorsement for the people of Iowa.”
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She writes about campaigns, elections and the Iowa Caucuses. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Matt Windschitl ends congressional run, won’t run to retain House seat
Reporting by Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
