SIOUX CENTER — Republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra said Iowa’s governor’s contest is between a “work horse” and a “show horse,” as he contrasted his candidacy with Democrat Rob Sand’s.
“This is the contrast: Iowa values versus liberal politics. Truth versus slogans. Work horse versus show horse. Standing for what’s right or not standing at all,” he said at a campaign launch event in Sioux Center Nov. 10.
The event, held at Dordt University, marked the formal start of Feenstra’s in-person campaigning after he entered the race Oct. 28
Sand, who is the state auditor and the lone Democrat elected to statewide office, launched his campaign in May.
Although both men are the expected frontrunners in their respective primaries, both will face challengers.
Four other Republicans have launched campaigns for governor: State Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen.
On the Democratic side, political consultant Julie Stauch is also running.
Still, Feenstra focused much of his speech on Sand.
He said Sand has emphasized the need for civility in Iowa politics.
“But here’s what he misses. Here’s where we are different,” Feenstra said. “Civility doesn’t mean hiding your beliefs or pretending that hard truths don’t matter. It’s not hateful to believe that a man can’t become a woman and say it. It’s not uncivil to say that our immigration laws must be enforced and our borders must be secured. It’s not dangerous rhetoric to say that every life — every life, born and unborn — has a purpose and a value. It’s simply speaking the truth, respectfully and clearly.”
A spokesperson for Sand did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Feenstra is serving his third term representing Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which spans 36 counties in northwest Iowa and along the full western edge of the state
He previously served in the Iowa Senate from 2009 to 2021, and he is a former city administrator and a former business and economics professor at Dordt University.
“Iowa needs a strong leader — one who is respectful but honest, civil and courageous, and one that doesn’t just go along to get along,” he said. “If we want to move this state forward, we must stand for truth and stand firm on our convictions. That’s what I’ll do for Iowa.”
Feenstra has been making moves to shore up his fundraising and name recognition early to help establish himself among the crowded Republican primary field.
His gubernatorial exploratory committee announced raising more than $3.2 million shortly after its launch. And he was the first declared or potential candidate to air TV ads.
He said in his campaign he would focus on growing the economy by making Iowa the most business and agriculture-friendly state in the country and by cutting and freezing property taxes.
He said he would restore “world-class education” in Iowa, work to keep young adults living in the state after graduation and promoting affordable and accessible health care.
The federal government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history, began as Democratic members of Congress withheld their support for budget bills as they sought to push Republicans into extending expanded health care subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
Those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year, leading to increased health insurance premiums in 2026.
Asked by reporters, Feenstra didn’t say whether he would support or oppose extending those tax credits.
“What we have to understand is that we need to create affordable health care,” he said. “That means we have to lower premiums. The current tax credits under Obamacare over the last several years saw premiums continue to skyrocket. So we’ve got to figure out a new way to lower insurance for all Iowans, and that is my goal.”
He said he’s pleased to see that the U.S. Senate is moving toward a vote that would reopen the government. But he told the crowd that he’s ready to leave Washington, D.C.
“Tonight I just want to tell you, Washington isn’t me,” he said. “I want to be back home. I want to be together with you. I want to be right here fighting and taking this state to new heights. I don’t want to climb the Washington ladder. I don’t want to be swallowed up by D.C. games. I want to be right here, fighting for you full time, taking this state to new heights.”
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: ‘Work horse versus show horse.’ Randy Feenstra jabs at Rob Sand in Iowa campaign launch
Reporting by Brianne Pfannenstiel, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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