2026 Iowa gubernatorial election
Iowa’s 2026 gubernatorial election will choose the state’s next governor after incumbent Kim Reynolds declined to seek re-election. The race features Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand and a Republican primary field that includes U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, state Rep. Eddie Andrews, former state Rep. Brad Sherman, former state agency director Adam Steen, and businessman-farmer Zach Lahn. Early contrasts center on fundraising, endorsements, and policy emphasis, including Sand’s election-reform agenda, Feenstra’s Washington ties and fundraising edge, and the GOP field’s competing appeals to grassroots conservatives and anti-establishment voters.
Candidates
Rob Sand
Rob Sand is Iowa’s state auditor and the Democratic candidate for governor in 2026. In April 2026, he unveiled an election-reform-focused policy agenda that includes term limits, age and cognitive tests for elected officials, and a proposal to replace Iowa’s current two-party primary system with a top-four, ranked-style general election format.
Adam Steen is a former Iowa Department of Administrative Services director and Republican candidate for governor in 2026. In February 2026, he received an endorsement from Bob Vander Plaats of The Family Leader and has emphasized his grassroots campaign style and business and state-agency management experience.
Eddie Andrews is a Republican state representative from Johnston and a candidate for governor in 2026. He has emphasized his legislative record, repeated wins in a Democratic-leaning district, and a campaign strategy that relies on grassroots outreach rather than large fundraising totals.
Randy Feenstra is the Republican U.S. representative for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and a candidate for governor in 2026. In early 2026, he launched a major advertising campaign, reported raising more than $4.3 million, and sought President Donald Trump’s endorsement while presenting himself as the frontrunner in the GOP field.
Zach Lahn is a businessman and farmer from Belle Plaine and a Republican candidate for governor in 2026. He has aligned his campaign with the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, focusing on water quality and cancer rates, and in February 2026 the MAHA PAC endorsed him.
Brad Sherman is a former Iowa state representative, pastor, and real estate developer running as a Republican for governor in 2026. He has campaigned as a grassroots candidate, said he has visited all 99 Iowa counties, and has highlighted his varied work experience as a contrast with better-funded rivals.
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.