2026 Iowa gubernatorial election
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For related races, see 2026 United States gubernatorial elections.
2026 Iowa gubernatorial election ← 2022
November 3, 2026
2030 →
| Party | Republican | Democratic |
|---|
The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of the state of Iowa. Incumbent Republican Governor Kim Reynolds is eligible to run for re-election to a third full term, as Iowa does not have gubernatorial term limits.
Although Iowa is now seen as a moderately red state, due to Reynolds's poor approval ratings, this race is seen as likely to be competitive. Rob Sand, the popular state auditor, is seen as a potential Democratic candidate.[1]
Republican primary
[edit ]Candidates
[edit ]Declared
[edit ]- Brad Sherman, former state representative from the 91st district (2023–2025)[2]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit ]- Kim Reynolds, incumbent governor (2017–present)[3]
Declined
[edit ]- Pat Grassley, speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives (running for re-election)[4]
Democratic primary
[edit ]Candidates
[edit ]Declared
[edit ]- Paul Dahl, bus driver and perennial candidate[5]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit ]- Rob Sand, Iowa Auditor of State (2019–present)[6]
General election
[edit ]Predictions
[edit ]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report [7] | Solid R | January 23, 2025 |
| Inside Elections [8] | Battleground | February 6, 2025 |
See also
[edit ]References
[edit ]- ^ "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
- ^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (February 17, 2025). "Former Republican state representative to challenge Kim Reynolds for Iowa governor seat". The Des Moines Register . Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne; Ramm, Michaela; Payne, Marissa (February 18, 2025). "Is she running? Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds drops a big hint on whether she will seek 3rd term". The Des Moines Register . Retrieved February 18, 2025.
Asked if she was seeking reelection at a news conference at the Capitol, Reynolds said, 'Stay tuned. There might be some news coming, just not today.'
- ^ Gruber-Miller, Stephen (May 6, 2024). "Will House Democratic leader Jennifer Konfrst run for Iowa governor in 2026?". The Des Moines Register . Retrieved September 13, 2024.
House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, was also asked if he would run for governor...he said he is planning to run for reelection
- ^ Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV . Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ "Pluribus A.M." Pluribus News . February 19, 2025. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
Sand...raised more than Reynolds did in the last quarter of 2024, leading to speculation that he'll challenge Reynolds in the 2026 midterms. Sand told us Tuesday he'll make a decision later this year.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections . Retrieved February 7, 2025.
External links
[edit ]- Official campaign websites