Secretary of Agriculture 2026

About the Office

The Iowa Secretary of Agriculture leads the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, elected to a four-year term. The Secretary oversees agricultural inspections, soil and water conservation programs, pesticide regulation, food safety, and state grain warehouse licensing.

In plain terms: this office shapes Iowa's agricultural and water policy — including the voluntary versus mandatory approach to reducing farm runoff pollution that affects drinking water across the state. It also regulates pesticides, food safety, and weights and measures.

Race at a Glance

Incumbent

Naig (R)

Term Length

4 Years

Naig Took Office

2018

Election Day

Nov 3, 2026

Mike Naig has held the office since 2018 when he was appointed by Gov. Reynolds and then elected later that year. Chris Jones is a retired University of Iowa water research scientist who founded the Iowa Driftless Water Defenders.

The Candidates

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

Mike Naig (R)

Republican incumbent · Iowa Secretary of Agriculture since 2018

Bio

From Cylinder, Iowa (Palo Alto County). Grew up on a family farm. Married to Jaime Naig; three sons. Holds a degree from Buena Vista University.

Career

Former Monsanto lobbyist. Appointed Deputy Secretary of Agriculture in 2013, then Secretary in March 2018 by Gov. Reynolds. Elected in November 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

Primary Issues

Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy

Strongly defends Iowa's voluntary approach to reducing nitrogen and phosphorus runoff from farms. Opposes mandatory regulation of farm pollution.

Agricultural Trade Promotion

Has prioritized expanding international trade for Iowa agricultural products, particularly biofuels and pork exports.

Resisting Federal Climate Mandates

Opposes federal climate-related agricultural mandates; supports voluntary carbon markets over regulation.

Position on Jones's Priority Issues

Water Quality Monitoring

Has not supported funding the expansion of water quality monitoring sensors that would document the scale of farm runoff impacts on drinking water.

Mandatory Pollution Regulation

Strongly opposes mandatory regulation of agricultural runoff; argues it would harm Iowa farmers economically.

Agricultural Diversification

Has supported corn and soybean dominance; less emphasis on diversifying Iowa agriculture beyond the two main commodity crops.

Endorsements

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation
Iowa Corn Growers Association
Republican Party of Iowa

Chris Jones (D)

Democratic nominee · Retired UI water research scientist · Founder, Iowa Driftless Water Defenders

Bio

Retired research engineer from the University of Iowa's IIHR (Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research). Spent his career studying Iowa water quality and the impacts of agricultural runoff. Founded the Iowa Driftless Water Defenders in 2024.

Career

Long career as a water research scientist at the University of Iowa. Author of "The Swine Republic," a 2023 book examining Iowa's industrial agriculture and water quality. Active public advocate for stronger water protection.

Primary Issues

Mandatory Pollution Regulation

Strongly supports moving from voluntary to mandatory regulation of farm nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Argues 30+ years of voluntary policy has failed to improve water quality.

Agricultural Diversification

Top campaign priority. Wants to support farmers in diversifying beyond corn/soybeans to small grains, livestock pasture, and specialty crops — argues monoculture drives both pollution and farmer financial risk.

Opposing CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations)

Strongly opposes further expansion of large livestock operations; argues they concentrate manure pollution and squeeze out family farms.

Position on Naig's Priority Issues

Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Strategy

Strongly opposes the voluntary approach; argues data shows pollution has worsened despite billions in voluntary spending.

Agricultural Trade Promotion

Supports trade but argues it should not come at the cost of family farms or environmental quality.

Carbon Markets

Supports verified, science-based carbon practices but skeptical of voluntary markets without strong measurement and verification.