Iowa — 4th District

Republican Christian Schlaefer is ending his campaign for the 4th Congressional District, further narrowing the GOP primary field in the race to represent northwest Iowa.

Schlaefer said his campaign "is not where it needs to be for us to continue forward at this time" in a social media post on Monday, March 9.

He said his campaign "spoke plainly and without apology about faith, the rule of law, secure borders, honest government and the moral foundation that made this country strong."

"Though I am suspending my campaign, I am not stepping away from the fight," he wrote. "The stakes are too high, and the need is too great, for any of us to sit back and do nothing. We must continue to stand with courage, speak with clarity, and defend the values that matter most. The future of America must belong to an American people."

His exit from the race leaves two Republican candidates: Siouxland Chamber of Commerce President Chris McGowan and Iowa Tea Party founder Ryan Rhodes.

Republican President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind McGowan, endorsing him on social media. That endorsement is likely to be influential in the 4th District, which is Iowa's most conservative.

Schlaefer had raised $7,710 and had $2,013 left in his campaign coffers at the end of 2025, campaign finance reports showed.

"We are blessed to have a field of great candidates running in races across Iowa," Schlaefer wrote. "I encourage every Iowan who believes in these values to get involved and elect conservative leaders who will represent the people."

Dave Dawson led the Democratic fundraising field over Stephanie Steiner and Ashley WolfTornabane with about $18,000 raised in the last quarter of 2025.

Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.