Politics in the Hawkeye State just got a whole lot more interesting. For years, the Iowa statehouse has felt like a predictable fixture, but the 2026 cycle is already throwing some major curveballs. Honestly, the biggest shocker came early. Governor Kim Reynolds, a powerhouse in the Republican party who has been in the driver’s seat since 2017, dropped a bombshell by announcing she won't seek another term.
She's out.
That single decision turned a "maybe" election into a full-blown scramble. It’s the first time since 2006 that we’ve seen an open-seat race for governor here. No incumbent means no safety net for the GOP and a massive target for Democrats who have been locked out of the governor's mansion for nearly two decades. If you’re wondering who is running for Iowa governor 2026, the list is growing, and the stakes are basically sky-high.
The Republican Primary: A Crowded House
With Reynolds stepping aside to focus on her family—her husband, Kevin, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023—the Republican "bench" is finally getting its shot. This isn't just a friendly hand-off; it's shaping up to be a bit of a scrap.
Randy Feenstra is probably the name you'll hear most. The U.S. Representative from Iowa’s 4th District officially jumped in late last year. He’s got the Washington experience and the fundraising muscle, but he’s not alone in the sandbox. You’ve also got Eddie Andrews, a state representative who has a lot of energy in the Des Moines area, and Brad Sherman, a former state lawmaker who was actually the first one to announce, even before Reynolds made her exit official.
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Then there’s the "outsider" or faith-based lane. Adam Steen, who used to lead the Department of Administrative Services, is running on a platform heavily focused on his faith. And don’t sleep on Zach Lahn, a farmer and newcomer who is trying to tap into that grassroots, "Make America Healthy Again" vibe that’s been gaining some traction lately.
Noticeably absent? Brenna Bird. The Attorney General was a favorite for this race, but she’s decided to stick to her current job and run for re-election. Same goes for Mike Naig, the Agriculture Secretary. They’re staying put, which clears some room, but the primary is still going to be a loud one.
Can the Democrats Finally Break the Streak?
Democrats haven't won a governor's race in Iowa since Chet Culver in 2006. That is a long time to be in the wilderness. But there’s a feeling among the party faithful that 2026 might be different, mostly because of one guy: Rob Sand.
Sand is currently the State Auditor and, notably, the only Democrat holding a statewide office in Iowa right now. He’s got this weirdly effective "not-a-typical-politician" brand. He talks about hunting, fishing, and "right versus wrong" rather than just left versus right. He’s already raised a massive amount of money—we’re talking north of $8 million—which has made national pundits sit up and take notice. Cook Political Report even shifted their rating of the race because of him.
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But he’s not the only one on the ballot for the June 2, 2026, primary:
- Julie Stauch: A longtime campaign operative who worked for Pete Buttigieg. She knows the Iowa ground game better than almost anyone.
- Paul Dahl: A bus driver and a frequent face in Iowa politics. He’s a perennial candidate, but he keeps the conversation honest.
Why This Race Feels Different
Most people get the "red state" thing wrong about Iowa. Yes, Donald Trump won here by double digits, but Iowans have a history of being "ticket splitters." They’ll vote for a Republican president and a Democratic auditor in the same breath.
With an open seat, the "incumbency advantage" is gone. Republicans have to prove they can lead without the familiar face of Reynolds, while Democrats have to prove they aren't just the party of Des Moines and Iowa City.
The issues are already hardening. Expect to hear a lot about:
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- School Vouchers: The private school funding program Reynolds championed is a huge talking point for both sides.
- The Budget: Republicans brag about a surplus; Democrats, like Sand, question how that money is being managed and who is actually benefiting.
- Property Taxes: This is a sleeper issue that usually decides local races but is moving to the forefront of the 2026 gubernatorial talk.
What Happens Next?
The clock is ticking. The filing deadline for candidates to get their names on the ballot is March 13, 2026. Between now and then, we might see a few more names jump in or some of the current ones quietly bow out if the fundraising doesn't materialize.
The primary is set for June 2, 2026. That’s when the wheat gets separated from the chaff. After that, it’s a sprint to the general election on November 3, 2026.
If you're looking to stay on top of this, start by checking the latest campaign finance disclosures. In Iowa, money doesn't always buy the win, but it definitely buys the microphone. Watch for who is spending time in the rural counties, not just the big suburbs. That’s where this race will be won or lost.
Actionable Next Steps for Iowa Voters:
- Verify your registration: Use the Iowa Secretary of State website to make sure you're ready for the June primary.
- Track the money: Check the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board for "Candidate Reports" to see who is funding these campaigns.
- Attend a Town Hall: Rob Sand is known for his 100-county tours; watch for similar events from Feenstra and Andrews to ask them direct questions about property taxes and education.