Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes advocates for "Making America Iowa" during his campaign in the 4th District
In the upcoming 2026 election, a notable name has entered the race for Iowa's 4th Congressional District. Ryan Rhodes, a Republican businessman from Ames and former CEO of Parler, has announced his candidacy [1][2].
Rhodes brings a unique background to the table, having served as state director for Dr. Ben Carson's presidential campaign and founding the Iowa Tea Party [2]. His work in politics extends further, having also worked on the campaigns of Michele Bachmann and during the first term of the Trump administration.
The main Republican candidates for this district include Rhodes, Kyle Larsen, Chris McGowan, and Matt Windschitl. Larsen is a farmer, McGowan is the president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and Windschitl is the majority leader of the Iowa House of Representatives, having served since 2007 [2].
Notably, the incumbent, Randy Feenstra, who was re-elected in 2024, is running for governor instead of seeking re-election for this congressional seat [2]. This means the 2026 congressional race in Iowa's 4th District is likely to be an open contest.
Rhodes is a strong advocate for defending gun rights through the Second Amendment and supports measures to support Iowa's agriculture economy, such as the "Save our Bacon" act. He also expresses a desire to defend traditional values in the face of increasing diversity and opposing ideologies.
In terms of immigration, Rhodes advocates for more stringent policies and has expressed concern about democratic socialist ideologies and foreign backgrounds, referencing immigrant mayoral candidates Omar Fateh and Zohran Mamdani.
Rhodes' campaign slogan is "Make America Iowa," reflecting his commitment to conservative values and his deep network in Iowa politics. He believes he is the best candidate for the job due to his diverse work experiences, including his time in agriculture and as CEO of Parler, a conservative social media platform.
Rhodes has also shown support for federal spending cuts, as demonstrated by his support for the DOGE service funding cuts and the budget reconciliation bill. He is also opposed to transgender women competing in women's sports and has worked on campaigns that share similar views.
As the race for Iowa's 4th Congressional District heats up, Rhodes' announcement adds another contender to the mix. The election promises to be an interesting one, with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds represented.
[1] - Source for Rhodes' work on Ben Carson's campaign [2] - Source for additional details on candidates and the current political landscape
- In the realm of media, Rhodes served as CEO of Parler, a platform known for its conservative views.
- Rhodes' political journey extends to working on the campaigns of Michele Bachmann and during the initial term of the Trump administration.
- The upcoming 2026 election in Iowa's 4th Congressional District will see Rhodes vying against candidates like Kyle Larsen, Chris McGowan, and Matt Windschitl.
- The "Make America Iowa" slogan, adopted by Rhodes, symbolizes his commitment to conservative values and Iowa politics.
- Rhodes' stance on immigration leans towards stricter policies, a position he reaffirms by voicing concerns about democratic socialist ideologies and foreign backgrounds.
- In the world of sports, Rhodes voices opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports, aligning with campaigns with similar views.
- The upcoming election in Iowa's 4th District is poised to be intriguing, given the array of perspectives and diverse backgrounds among the candidates.
- Beyond politics, Rhodes has expressed concerns about the increasing diversity and opposing ideologies, citing immigrant mayoral candidates Omar Fateh and Zohran Mamdani as examples.
- In the arena of policy and legislation, Rhodes has demonstrated his support for federal spending cuts, such as the DOGE service funding cuts and the budget reconciliation bill.
