No-Show Randy Feenstra Skips ANOTHER GOP Gov Primary Debate
DES MOINES – With just two weeks to go until Iowa’s June primary, the Republicans running for governor will take the stage tonight in KCCI’s Republican gubernatorial primary debate, with a glaring absence from No-Show Randy Feenstra. So far, Feenstra has skipped every primary debate of the 2026 cycle.
The debate was taped in Des Moines on Saturday, May 16. KCCI noted that “every Republican candidate on the ballot was invited to participate,” but Feenstra once again broke his promise to debate his primary opponents and refused to show up for Iowans. Feenstra’s absence is sure to lead to more televised attacks from his opponents and warnings over his ability to win in November.
When WHO 13’s Teodora Mitov asked Feenstra if he feels like he needs to debate, he brushed the question off by inexplicably saying “I love to meet people!”
KGAN’s Skylar Tallal also asked Feenstra about his choice to skip multiple GOP primary debates, and he told her “there’s plenty of time for debates” — despite refusing to participate in any and once again refusing to give a straight answer on debating his primary opponents.
What Iowa Republicans are saying about No-Show Feenstra’s latest debate dodge:
- Gubernatorial candidate Adam Steen: “We covered all of these issues at the @KCCINews debate yesterday. Unfortunately, @RandyFeenstra missed the conversation yet again. Catch the debate Tuesday at 7 PM. We wouldn’t want you to miss it — even if Randy did.”
- Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes: “@adamsteen @ShermanForIowa @ZachLahn and @eddieandrews all showed up with @idaveprice @ARookerKCCI and @KCCIPolitics to debate and talk to Iowans on these very issues! Didn’t see you there…but don’t worry you can watch it in DC on Tuesday! #runawayrandy”
- Christian conservative leader Bob Vander Plaats: “Congressman Feenstra is skipping (has skipped) the KCCI Debate. This follows a pattern of skips by the Congressman. This an unprecedented and a disrespectful pattern by any, including Presidential candidates, who want to lead. Thus, I encourage you to skip Congressman Feenstra on June 2.”
Feenstra has faced major “dissatisfaction” and “opposition” from his own party after he was “unable to clear the primary field,” failed to get Donald Trump’s endorsement, and was snubbed by Bob Vander Plaats. Feenstra’s “difficulty connecting” with voters has become a “persistent theme” of the wide-open race, while his fellow candidates and members of his own party have also spent months attacking his no-show campaign. It’s caused GOP activists to plan for the primary to go to a nominating convention.
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