About 200 people gathered in Holstein Monday night for the Ida County GOP Candidate Forum, where five Republicans seeking Iowa’s 4th Congressional District seat spoke directly to northwest Iowa voters.
The forum featured Rep. Matt Windschitl of Missouri Valley, Ryan Rhodes of Ames, Christian Schlaefer of Lakota, Douglas Jensen of Silver City, and Chris McGowan of Sioux City. Four of the five Republican candidates for governor also appeared, though Rep. Randy Feenstra of Hull was absent due to a scheduling conflict.
Windschitl, a Marine Corps veteran and longtime Iowa House leader, reminded the crowd of his record in Des Moines.
He pointed to his role in passing pro‑life legislation and Iowa’s constitutional carry law, telling voters he’s ready to take that fight to Washington.
Rhodes, an entrepreneur, business owner and founder of the Iowa Tea Party, got the crowd fired up when he warned against complacency.
He also touted a national endorsement.
Schlaefer, a 29-year-old farmer and firefighter, tied his campaign to generational responsibility. The youngest of the GOP candidates, he’s expecting his first child, who he says will hopefully become a sixth-generation Iowa farmer.
Jensen, a combat veteran and constitutional scholar, focused on dysfunction in Washington.
He pledged to restore order.
McGowan, Siouxland Chamber president and veteran, stressed property rights and his opposition to eminent domain for private gain.
He closed the evening by thanking local organizers and volunteers, calling the Holstein event one of the best‑run forums of the year.
Joining the five Republican candidates in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District race are Democrats Ashley WolfTornabane of Storm Lake, Stephanie Steiner of Sutherland, and Dave Dawson of Lawton.
The district is the largest in Iowa, covering 36 counties spread out across the northwest, western, and north central parts of the state.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.
