DES MOINES, Iowa — Attorney General Brenna Bird announced she is not seeking the governor’s seat but is instead running for re-election for Iowa Attorney General in 2026.

In a statement released by Bird on Wednesday, she said she “has been overwhelmed by the number of Iowans who have encouraged me to run for Governor.”

Since her victory in 2022, Bird says she has “accomplished big victories,” naming the stopping of scammers, fighting for victims, and standing up for law enforcement. “But there is still more work to do,” part of the statement read.

Later in the statement, Bird announced her bid for re-election as attorney general in 2026.

“I am absolutely determined to do justice and hold this office to prevent it from being occupied by a radical, progressive Democrat who would undo all we’ve accomplished.”

Bird was considered a strong contender for the Republican nomination, Bird no longer running leaves the Republican candidates Rep. Randy Feenstra, state Rep. Eddie Andrew, and former state Rep. Brad Sherman.

“Between now and next November, I will run a fierce reelection campaign, and I will win,” Bird said. “I will also enthusiastically support our Republican nominee for Governor and the entire Republican ticket here in Iowa – our party will be unified.”

Former Rep. Brad Sherman released a statement shortly after Bird’s announcement.

“With Brenna Bird running for re-election as Attorney General, I am now firmly the only Republican in the conversation for Governor that stood by President Trump in the 2024 cycle. I was the first Iowa legislator to endorse President Trump in his 2024 re-election bid, and I worked hard, along with Attorney General Bird, to help get him across the finish line here in Iowa and nationally in November. Now, Iowans need a Governor who can stand on his record and help President Trump advance the American First agenda here in our state, and that is exactly what I will do,” Sherman said.

Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart also responded to Bird’s announcement.

“Whatever office Brenna Bird is running for, she can’t hide from her past four years cozying up to the clique of insiders that have left our state 49th in economic growth and first in rate of new cancers. Instead of looking out for workers and consumers, she’s pursued the kind of partisan, political, and expensive vendettas you’d expect from Steve King’s former Chief of Staff. Pulling back from a run for governor won’t prevent voters from holding her accountable”, said Hart.