Kevin Virgil announces run for Fourth District

Kevin Virgil, a former Army Ranger and CIA operations officer, announced last week that he is running for Iowa's Fourth Congressional District as a Republican.

Virgil, who grew up near Sutherland and graduated from South O'Brien High School, said his campaign was founded on the principles of true conservatism and emphasized Iowa's need for a "representative who will fervently defend these values in Washington."

The Fourth District is currently represented by Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull), who has served the seat since 2021.

"I am running for Congress because Iowa's Fourth District deserves a representative who advocates for conservative values," Virgil said in a news release. "The current political establishment in Washington, D.C. has failed to provide the leadership that America needs. Here in western Iowa, our current congressman has repeatedly voted to protect the interests of his largest donors and political backers while ignoring those of his constituents. I intend to uphold my oath to the Constitution and will only support legislation that remains true to its principles."

Virgil, 50, said his distinguished career in the military and intelligence community, as well as his experience as an entrepreneur in the private sector, have equipped him with the leadership skills and values that are required to address the complex challenges facing the nation.

"I am honored to continue my service to our country, and to fight the internal and external forces that threaten our way of life," said Virgil. "Over the past three decades, America's small towns have experienced steep economic decline, while Washington D.C. and our state capitols have attracted staggering wealth through the relentless expansion of government. It is a zero-sum game that needs to stop. I intend to work relentlessly to constrain the federal bureaucracy and return prosperity to our communities. I look forward to listening to voters across the district, and earning their trust and support."

Virgil was born in Lincoln, Neb., and raised in Sutherland. He graduated from South O'Brien High School and attended West Point before serving in the 82nd Airborne Division and ultimately in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Later, he attended business school and worked on Wall Street before joining the CIA shortly after 9/11, where he narrowly missed being in the World Trade Center. After serving his country overseas, he eventually started a company that builds AI-enabled security solutions for the Department of Defense and corporate customers around the world.

Virgil announced his campaign during a special event at the Gaza (Iowa) Forum on Jan. 4. Also in attendance were state Rep. Zach Dieken (R-Granville) and Sen. Lynn Evans (R-Aurelia), as well as former Congressman Steve King. King served the Fourth District for nearly 20 years before being ousted by Feenstra during the 2020 GOP primary election.