Iowa Governor 2026 — Iowa Voter Guide

About the Office

The Governor of Iowa is the state's chief executive, elected to a four-year term with no term limits. The governor signs or vetoes legislation passed by the Iowa General Assembly, proposes the state budget, appoints judges and agency heads, commands the Iowa National Guard, and issues executive orders shaping how state laws are implemented.

In plain terms: the governor sets the direction of state government. Decisions about taxes, K-12 funding, Medicaid, abortion enforcement, agricultural policy, environmental regulation, and which federal programs Iowa participates in all flow through the governor's office.

Race at a Glance

Race Type

Open Seat

Term Length

4 Years

GOP Primary Winner

Lahn (37.8%)

Election Day

Nov 3, 2026

Republican Zach Lahn narrowly defeated Randy Feenstra (37.0%) in the June 2026 GOP primary. Rob Sand, Iowa's State Auditor since 2019 and the only Democrat currently holding statewide elected office, was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

The Iowa Gubernatorial Voter Quiz

A non-partisan quiz comparing your views on key issues to the sourced positions of Zach Lahn (R) and Rob Sand (D). Each question includes Iowa-specific context to help you reflect on where you stand and who you most align with, regardless of party.

The Candidates

Each candidate's positions are drawn from primary sources: campaign communications, voting records, debates, and direct interviews.

Zach Lahn (R)

Republican nominee · Businessman, farmer, school founder

Bio

Sixth-generation Iowan from Plymouth County (Belle Plaine). The family homestead was sold in 2005 and repurchased by Lahn in 2014. Married with seven children. No prior elected office.

Career

Businessman and farmer. Founded an alternative non-profit school. Launched Homeplace Ventures in 2016. Self-funded outsider in the Republican primary, narrowly defeating five-term U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra.

Primary Issues

Eminent Domain for Carbon Pipelines

Strongly opposes use of eminent domain for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Would veto bills granting private companies eminent domain authority. Signature issue of his primary campaign.

Property Tax & Data Center Tax Breaks

Strongly supports significant property tax cuts for primary residences. Supports ending or significantly reducing tax breaks for data centers.

Cancer & Environmental Regulation

Supports addressing Iowa's rising cancer rate through stronger regulation. Has stated he would veto any bill granting pesticide companies liability immunity from lawsuits.

Position on Sand's Priority Issues

Public Education & ESA Vouchers

Supports continuation of Iowa's ESA voucher program. Founded an alternative school himself; favors expanded school choice.

Government Accountability

Frames his outsider business background as a contrast to career politicians; no specific stance on the Auditor's office authority.

Reproductive Rights

Opposes legalizing abortion in most cases. Supports Iowa's six-week Heartbeat Bill as appropriate policy.

Endorsements

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement

Visit campaign site →

Rob Sand (D)

Democratic nominee · Iowa State Auditor since 2019

Bio

Born in Decorah in 1982. The 33rd Iowa State Auditor, serving since 2019. Currently the only Democrat holding statewide elected office in Iowa. Brown University undergraduate; University of Iowa Law School.

Career

Assistant Attorney General 2010–2017, where he led the prosecution of the Hot Lotto fraud case. Elected State Auditor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Raised over $8 million for the 2024 cycle.

Primary Issues

Public Education & ESA Vouchers

Strongly opposes Iowa's ESA voucher program. Supports increased funding for public schools and protecting Area Education Agencies (AEAs). Core message of his campaign.

Government Accountability

Built reputation as State Auditor on rooting out government waste and fraud across both parties. Frames his auditing record as proof of bipartisan effectiveness.

Reproductive Rights

Supports legal abortion in most cases as a private medical decision. Opposes Iowa's six-week Heartbeat Bill.

Position on Lahn's Priority Issues