IA GOP in Panic Mode After Cook Political Shifts Gov Race to “Toss Up”
DES MOINES – Iowa Republicans are melting down and “warn[ing] they will face headwinds” in the governor’s race after Cook Political Report moved the race to “Toss Up” last week.
Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann was ridiculed after a complete and total social media meltdown meant to try — and fail — to explain away the ratings change, while Kim Reynolds rambled about her failed record and admitted “I definitely don’t think” the race will be a “cakewalk” for Republicans. Republicans are conceding the ratings change is “concerning news,” and their “lackluster” candidates are “a wake-up call for … the Republican Party of Iowa.”
Cook Political Report was the latest race-rater to confirm the governor’s race is a top flip opportunity for Democrats after Inside Elections and National Journal moved the race in favor of Rob Sand.
What Iowa Republicans are saying about 2026:
- Randy Feenstra’s campaign: “Team Feenstra calls Cook Report rating ‘concerning news’ for Iowa Governor’s race”
- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig: “The ‘26 cycle is not going to be easy. Democrats are definitely energized. Rob Sand is a strong candidate.”
- Republican political operative Todd Blodgett: “A year ago, it was solid Republican … Now it’s toss up. He’s (Sand) got $13.2 million in the bank. I think the most any Republican has, which is Mr. Feenstra, is $10 million … less than that. I’m worried about that.”
- Conservative outlet The Iowa Standard: “Feenstra cannot connect with an audience. And keep in mind, he’s pretty much speaking in front of exclusively conservative, Republican, friendly audiences … All this, combined with the fact that the Cook Political Report shifted Iowa’s race for governor to a ‘toss-up,’ should serve as a wake-up call for Feenstra, his supporters, and the Republican Party of Iowa.”
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