Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig intends run for office in 2026 — and is considering whether to seek reelection to his current post or run for governor. Naig says Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision not to seek a third term was a surprise.
Naig is originally from Cylinder, Iowa — just east of Emmetsburg on Highway 18. Governor Reynolds appointed Naig to be Iowa’s ag secretary in March of 2018 when Bill Northey resigned to become a deputy in the USDA. Three months later, Naig and four other Republicans competed to be the party’s General Election nominee for ag secretary.
Other Republicans, including Attorney General Brenna Bird, House Speaker Pat Grassley, and state senator Mike Bousselot have said they are considering a run for governor. Naig says he’s not prepared to talk about any other potential candidate.
Naig made his comments during taping of “Iowa Press” which airs tonight (Friday) on Iowa PBS. He also discussed the ongoing bird flu outbreak, the potential impact of tariffs on ag exports, and other ag-related issues.
