(Des Moines) State Auditor Rob Sand is the uncontested Democratic nominee for Iowa governor. The state has not elected a Democrat to fill that seat since Chet Culver in 2006.
Sand is endorsed by both Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He considered running for Governor in 2022, but instead ran for re-election, making him the only statewide Democrat elected in 2022. Prior to this position, Sand served in the Attorney General’s office.
The 43-year-old has campaigned on being an “authentic” Iowan, specifically his enjoyment of hunting, while also recognizing the need for a “common sense” reform. He promises to grow the economy, support public education, and improve healthcare access.
Sand will face GOP nominee Zach Lahn on November 3, 2026 in Iowa’s first open seat gubernatorial election since 2006.
