In a move that’s sure to ripple through Iowa’s political waters, Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) has declared he’s sticking with Congress for 2026, quashing rumors of a gubernatorial run.
According to the Washington Examiner, on Friday, July 11, 2025, Nunn confirmed his bid for reelection to the U.S. House in Iowa’s Third Congressional District, a seat he flipped to Republican control in 2022, while President Donald Trump renewed his robust endorsement.
Let’s rewind a bit to set the stage. Nunn, a combat veteran first elected in 2022 and reelected in 2024, has been a rising star in Republican circles, even catching endorsements back then from heavyweights like Trump, Nikki Haley, and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR). His district, once a Democratic stronghold, now stands as a testament to his appeal among Iowa voters.
For months, speculation swirled that Nunn might aim higher, eyeing the governor’s mansion after Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) announced in April 2025 she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026. A run for governor would’ve pitted him against Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA), who’s already thrown his hat in the ring with a hefty $3 million war chest and backing from Sen. Joni Ernst and other prominent Iowa Republicans.
But Nunn’s choice to stay in the House isn’t just a sidestep—it’s a strategic play. With Trump’s visit to Iowa on July 3, 2025, still fresh, Nunn leveraged the moment in his announcement, signaling he’s doubling down on federal influence over state ambitions.
Speaking of Trump, the former president didn’t hold back with his praise on July 11, 2025, saying, “Great Combat Veteran Zach Nunn is committed.” That’s a pat on the back any Republican would cherish, though some might wonder if it’s more about securing House seats than personal loyalty. Still, in a narrowly divided Congress, every ally counts.
Trump doubled down, adding, “He is a team player, with a tremendous future.” That’s high praise, but let’s be real—keeping the Republican majority in Congress is the unspoken goal here, not just Nunn’s bright horizons. The MAGA base will eat this up, especially with progressive policies lurking as the boogeyman on every ballot.
Nunn himself wasn’t shy about gratitude, stating, “Thank you to President Trump for joining us in Iowa.” It’s a savvy nod to the America 250 kickoff event, tying his campaign to broader patriotic themes while sidestepping the culture war noise that often drowns out policy talk. Smart move for a district that values results over rhetoric.
Emily Tuttle from the National Republican Congressional Committee chimed in with, “Combat veteran Zach Nunn has a proven record.” That’s the kind of boilerplate hype you’d expect, but it underscores a truth: Nunn’s military background and track record resonate with Iowans tired of empty promises from both sides of the aisle.
Now, Nunn isn’t coasting to victory just yet. He’ll face two Democratic contenders in 2026—state Rep. Jennifer Konfrst and state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott—who are likely eager to flip the Third District back to blue. It’s a tall order, but in a state with shifting winds, underestimating the opposition would be foolish.
Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race that Nunn sidestepped is heating up without him. Feenstra, the only major Republican in that contest so far, faces Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, the lone Democrat holding statewide office in a Republican-dominated state. That matchup promises fireworks, and Nunn’s absence might just clear the path for Feenstra’s momentum. Back to Nunn’s House race, he remains the only declared Republican candidate for his seat. That’s a strong position to be in, especially with no primary fight to drain resources or split loyalties among conservatives who prioritize unity over internal squabbles.
Some might argue Nunn missed a golden opportunity to climb the ladder by passing on the governor’s race. After all, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird also declined to run earlier in July 2025, thinning the field of heavyweight contenders. But risking a safe House seat for a bruising primary against Feenstra? That’s a gamble not even a combat vet might take.
Instead, Nunn’s focus on Congress aligns with a broader Republican strategy to fortify their grip on federal power. In an era where progressive agendas seem to creep into every policy debate, from taxes to Second Amendment rights, holding the House line matters more than ever to folks who value traditional Iowa priorities.
So, as the 2026 cycle kicks off, Nunn’s decision feels less like a retreat and more like a calculated stand. With Trump’s backing and a clear field in his district, he’s poised to fight for Iowa families, as he puts it, without the distraction of a messy gubernatorial slugfest. Here’s betting that Iowans, weary of overreaching federal mandates, will appreciate a warrior who knows which hill to defend.
