Rob Sand (D) and Zach Lahn (R) are running in the general election for governor of Iowa on November 3, 2026.

Incumbent Kim Reynolds (R) is not running for re-election. The last Democrat to win election as governor of Iowa was Chet Culver (D) in 2006. As of July 2026, major election forecasters call the general election a toss-up. The election will be a factor in determining whether Republicans keep their trifecta and triplex in Iowa.

Both Sand and Lahn completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, introducing themselves to voters in their own words.

Sand was elected Iowa Auditor in 2018. He earlier worked as the chief prosecutor for public corruption cases in the office of the Iowa Attorney General. In his survey response, Sand said, "In my first term as Auditor, I uncovered more waste, fraud, and abuse in a single term than any other State Auditor in Iowa history, and have uncovered millions in misspent money since taking office. I work with both parties to get things done for Iowans. In the State Auditor’s Office, I had both an independent and a Republican in senior leadership positions, and promoted – not fired – employees who made campaign contributions to my political opponents. I’m running to make Iowa better and truer, not redder or bluer."

Lahn is a farmer and businessman. He and his wife co-founded the investment firm Homeplace Ventures and the Wichita, Kansas, private school Wonder. In his survey response, Lahn said, "I’m investing in Iowa and I’m my own biggest donor. I don’t answer to donors or corporations — only to God, my family, and the people of this state. I believe Iowa can be a beacon — the safest, freest, most family-centered state in America. That future won’t come from consultants or career politicians. It will come from courage rooted in place, history, and duty. This is Iowa. This is our home. And it’s worth fighting for."