Iowa's Tea Party founder, Ryan Rhodes, announces his candidacy for the 4th District congressional race
In the political landscape of Iowa, a new contender has emerged for the 4th District Congressional seat. Ryan Rhodes, a businessman from Ames and the founder of the Iowa Tea Party, has announced his intention to run for the seat in the 2026 election [1].
Rhodes, a proud MAGA Republican, has expressed his strong support for former President Donald Trump, particularly in the area of immigration reform [1]. He is known for his opposition to policies like California’s Proposition 12, considering it an overreach that imposes California's standards on other states [1].
Rhodes' campaign slogan, "Make America Iowa," reflects his emphasis on local values and interests. He has a history of involvement in conservative Republican causes, having worked on presidential campaigns for Ben Carson and Michele Bachmann, and organizing events during Trump’s first administration [1].
In the 2025 Iowa State Fair straw poll for Republicans running in the 4th District, Rhodes received approximately 16% of the vote, trailing leaders Matt Windschitl (38%), Kyle Larsen (23%), and Chris McGowan (23%) [2].
The 4th District, the most heavily Republican district in Iowa, is currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is moving aggressively toward a gubernatorial run, leaving the seat open for the 2026 election [1].
On the Democratic side, Ashley WolfTornabane and Stephanie Steiner have mounted campaigns for the 4th District seat [1].
The GOP primary race for the 4th District seat will likely determine who will be elected to Congress. Brianne Pfannenstiel, the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register, reported on Rhodes' announcement [1].
Rhodes' campaign platform includes a "no compromise" stance on Second Amendment protection, unborn fetus personhood rights, border defense, and ending corporate welfare [1]. As the founder of the Tea Party in Iowa and the former CEO of Parler, a conservative social media site, Rhodes brings a unique perspective to the race [1].
[1] Pfannenstiel, B. (2023, March 1). Ryan Rhodes announces bid for Iowa's 4th District Congressional seat. Des Moines Register. Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/01/ryan-rhodes-announces-bid-iowa-4th-district-congressional-seat/68286187007/
[2] Pfannenstiel, B. (2025, August 12). State Fair straw poll: Windschitl leads 4th District GOP field. Des Moines Register. Retrieved from https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/12/iowa-state-fair-straw-poll-windschitl-leads-4th-district-gop-field/20027751007/
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