A Northeast Iowa native has announced his campaign for governor.
State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat in statewide elected office, will run for Iowa’s highest office, looking to replace current Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, who is not seeking another term.
The 42-year-old Sand, originally from Decorah, says it’s time for new leadership in the governor’s office.
Sand adds that the state needs a new direction and calls the state budget Republicans have developed “a ticking fiscal time bomb” because it relies on withdrawals from the state’s reserves, while drastically cutting revenues.
Sand says Reynolds’ decision not to seek reelection was not a factor in him running for the office in 2026.
Sand becomes the second Democrat to declare his candidacy for the top state office, joining Paul Dahl of Webster City, who threw his hat into the Democratic primary race in November.
On the Republican side, former state representative Brad Sherman has announced his candidacy while current state senator Mike Bousselot has formed an exploratory committee
