Rob Sand

Rob Sand, the Democratic candidate for governor, has shared priorities for water quality and healthcare for Iowans, including changes to manure management plans and an immediate reversal of the privatization of Medicaid in Iowa.

State Auditor Rob Sand — the only Democrat running for governor — is proposing term limits and cognitive tests for elected officials, along with changes to Iowa’s elections, as part of his plan to promote accountability in the state’s political system.

Five Republicans and one Democrat will appear as candidates for governor on Iowa ballots in the June 2 primary elections, according to the final candidate list released by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand outlined his priorities headed into the 2026 legislative session that he said would prevent fraud and strengthen government oversight. One of his top concerns is reversing a 2023 law that limits the authority of the State Auditor's Office.

Democrat Rob Sand is trying to connect with Iowa voters through his Christian faith as he campaigns for governor. He weaves religious references into his stump speech as he explains his positions and values, and that has drawn a strong reaction from some Republicans.

The state of Iowa will pay $600,000 to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former Iowa Department of Public Health Communications Director Polly Carver-Kimm, who claimed she was forced to resign for attempting to comply with Iowa’s open records law.