Des Moines, IA – Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan has announced his candidacy for Iowa’s 4th District congressional seat, currently held by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who may be pursuing a gubernatorial bid. McGowan, a Republican, is running on a platform emphasizing agriculture, the economy, strong national defense, secure borders, and the protection of Iowa’s “traditional values.”
The 4th District seat is anticipated to be open in 2026 as Feenstra explores a potential run for governor. Feenstra formed a gubernatorial exploratory committee in May and is reportedly moving toward a formal campaign. McGowan joins the race alongside state Sen. Lynn Evans, R-Aurelia, who chairs the Senate Education Committee and is also vying for the seat. Evans is serving his first term in the Legislature.
Democrat Ryan Melton, who unsuccessfully challenged Feenstra in 2022 and 2024, had planned to run again but suspended his campaign in June due to personal reasons. No other Democrats have declared their candidacy for the district, known as Iowa’s most conservative, where the Republican primary victor typically secures the general election.
McGowan, an economic development professional for over two decades, stated his commitment to highlighting issues crucial to Iowa’s economy and agriculture, which he describes as the backbone of the national economy. “It’s an area that I’ve been focused on for the last 20 years,” McGowan told the Des Moines Register. “Iowans raise the food, manufacture the products, generate the energy, and instill the work ethic that makes America great.”
He also emphasizes his qualifications, which include his experience as an attorney and political involvement over three decades. McGowan’s background includes service with the 185th Iowa Air National Guard and a stint as an intelligence officer. His career path led him from sales at Honeywell Inc. to earning a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law, although he chose to focus on economic development rather than practicing law full-time.
As chair of the statewide Iowa Chamber Alliance, McGowan has a firm grasp of how federal policies affect businesses. He opposes the use of eminent domain for private ventures, a contentious issue in Iowa involving carbon capture pipeline projects. “One of the foundations of our country is private property rights,” McGowan said, while expressing support for private business expansion.
A Sioux City native, McGowan resides on a small farm outside the city with his wife, Cathleen, and their six children, five of whom serve in the armed forces. As a veteran, McGowan backs President Donald Trump’s foreign policy approach, particularly the recent military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. He supports Trump’s decisiveness in international affairs, emphasizing peace through strength.
