Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, the sole Democrat holding statewide office, officially launched his campaign for governor today, entering the race to replace outgoing Republican Governor Kim Reynolds. Reynolds previously announced she would not seek re-election.
Sand, a former prosecutor, announced his bid through a direct-to-camera video shared on social media. He presented himself as a post-partisan candidate, stating, “A lot of politicians yap about making a place redder or bluer, I want Iowa to be better and truer.”
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In his announcement video, Sand highlighted his experience as both a prosecutor and in his current role as State Auditor. He echoed language often used by Republicans, emphasizing that his office has “uncovered a record amount of waste, fraud and abuse.”
Sand’s entry into the race comes as Democrats face a significant challenge in Iowa, having not won a gubernatorial election since 2006.
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Despite this historical trend and the state’s recent lean towards the Republican party, Sand has demonstrated an ability to attract crossover votes, having won two terms as auditor on the same ballots where Governor Reynolds secured her victories.
He is anticipated to be the leading figure in the Democratic primary field, while the Republican field is still in the process of taking shape following Governor Reynolds’ decision not to run for a third term. The 2026 gubernatorial election is expected to be a closely watched contest as both parties vie for control of the state’s top executive office.
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