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Nov 3, 2026 · open seat

Iowa - Governor

Gov. Kim Reynolds isn't running, making this Iowa's first open governor's race since 2006, the last time a Democrat won it. Independent Sondra Wilson is also on the ballot.

RS
Rob Sand
Democrat - Age: 44

State auditor since 2019 and Iowa’s only Democratic statewide officeholder. Former assistant attorney general. Unopposed in the primary.

Wikipedia →
ZL
Zach Lahn
Republican

Businessman and farmer who has never held elected office. Won the June 2 primary with 37.65% in an upset over Trump-endorsed Rep. Randy Feenstra; Trump later endorsed him.

Race overview →
Who's ahead? CookLEAN DSabatoLEAN DDDHQLEAN D
All three expect the seat to flip to Democrats. Ratings: Cook Political Report (Sept 10), Sabato’s Crystal Ball (Sept 3), Decision Desk HQ (Sept 12). Source →
Sand
50
Lahn
39
YouGov, ±3.5, released Sept 11. Emerson (released Sept 3) had Sand up 49–46 → Released Sept 11

Where they stand

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SAND SAYS
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LAHN SAYS
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Positions summarized from Iowa Capital Dispatch, The Hill, Political Wire and Wikipedia · September 2026
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