Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes advocates for a shift towards Iowa's values in his bid for the 4th District, dubbing his campaign as 'Make America Iowa.'
Iowa's 4th Congressional District: Ryan Rhodes, a Conservative Contender for 2026
In the race for Iowa's 4th Congressional District seat in 2026, Ryan Rhodes, a well-known figure in Iowa politics, has thrown his hat in the ring. Rhodes, a former CEO of the social media platform Parler and the founder of the Iowa Tea Party, is running on a conservative, right-leaning platform, with a focus on "making America Iowa."
Rhodes, who has worked in agriculture and served as state director for Dr. Ben Carson's presidential campaign, is no stranger to the political arena. He has previously worked on the caucus campaigns for Dr. Ben Carson and Minnesota U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann.
One of Rhodes' key policy positions is his opposition to what he calls a "massive shift to the left" in the country. He criticizes policies allowing men in women's sports, gender surgeries for minors, and the teaching of critical race theory, which he describes as teaching children hate. Rhodes also expresses strong opposition to the current immigration system, arguing it brings people who do not share the same values as him into the country.
Rhodes has worked with the Trump administration during the first term of office and has a diverse work experience that he believes gives him a broad understanding of issues. He cites immigrant mayoral candidates Omar Fateh and Zohran Mamdani as examples of individuals who do not share the same values as him.
Rhodes is not alone in the primary race for Iowa's 4th District. Several Republicans, including Matt Windschitl, Chris McGowan, and Kyle Larsen, have also entered the race. However, Rhodes believes he is the best candidate for the job due to his deep network in Iowa politics and his embodiment of conservative values.
One of Rhodes' most notable policy positions is his support for the "Save our Bacon" act, a measure to nullify a California animal welfare law, for the benefit of Iowa's agriculture economy. He also supports federal funding cuts, specifically those made through the U.S. DOGE service and the budget reconciliation bill.
Rhodes stepped down from his position as CEO of Parler in 2025. Iowa's 4th Congressional District has historically been a conservative stronghold, and Rhodes believes his campaign slogan, "Make America Iowa," reflects his commitment to preserving traditional values and promoting conservative policies.
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, the current representative of the district, is considering running for Iowa governor. Regardless of who wins the primary race, Rhodes' candidacy has added another conservative voice to the mix, promising to bring a strong, uncompromising stance on issues that matter to Iowa's 4th District voters.
[1] Source for Rhodes' background and political career
[2] Source for Rhodes' policy positions
- Ryan Rhodes, the former CEO of Parler and founder of the Iowa Tea Party, is running for Iowa's 4th Congressional District, leveraging his extensive background in agriculture and political experience from caucus campaigns. [Source for Rhodes' background and political career]
- Rhodes has articulated strong opposition to policies that promote a "massive shift to the left," such as allowing men in women's sports, gender surgeries for minors, and the teaching of critical race theory, which he deems as teaching hate. He also advocates stricter immigration policies and supports the "Save our Bacon" act and federal funding cuts. [Source for Rhodes' policy positions]
- In media circles, Rhodes is known for his involvement with conservative causes, such as his work with the Trump administration and his tenure as CEO of Parler. He also uses media platforms to share his thoughts on issues like culture, war-and-conflicts, general-news, crime-and-justice, policy-and-legislation, and sports.
- As Rhodes runs for the 4th Congressional District, the race is heating up with competitors such as Matt Windschitl, Chris McGowan, and Kyle Larsen. Rhodes believes his deep roots in Iowa politics and embodiment of conservative values make him an ideal candidate for the job. [General-news]
