2026 Iowa Governor's Race: Candidates in, Out, and Undecided

The 2026 Iowa Gubernatorial Race Begins to Take Shape

The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race has seen a dramatic shift as Republican Governor Kim Reynolds surprised many by announcing she would not seek re-election. This decision has reshaped the political landscape in the state and intensified competition for the governor's seat. With Reynolds stepping down, both major parties are now scrambling to identify strong candidates who can capture the attention of voters.

In the weeks following Reynolds' announcement, several high-profile Republicans withdrew from consideration, including Attorney General Brenna Bird, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, and Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn also initially considered a run but later ruled it out. As the race continues to evolve, more candidates are finalizing their decisions, and the Democratic primary field is beginning to stabilize.

Republican Candidates

State Rep. Eddie Andrews has officially launched his campaign for governor. He made his announcement at a rally on June 4, where he outlined his focus on improving education, combating human trafficking, eliminating property taxes, and opposing the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. Andrews represents Iowa House District 43 and was re-elected to a third term in 2024.

Former state Rep. Brad Sherman also announced his candidacy in February, even before Reynolds' decision. A pastor from Williamsburg, Sherman has been involved in church ministry for over four decades and has supported various anti-abortion organizations. He was an early endorser of Donald Trump during the 2024 GOP presidential caucuses.

State Sen. Mike Bousselot formed an exploratory committee on April 21 to consider a run for governor. He emphasized the importance of listening to Iowans and working hard to earn their support. Bousselot has been actively engaging with communities across the state to gauge public sentiment.

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra also formed an exploratory committee on May 13. He has taken aggressive steps toward a formal campaign, raising over $3.2 million shortly after launching his committee. Feenstra also launched a $400,000 advertising buy across the state, making him the first potential candidate to air television ads. He has highlighted his close relationship with President Donald Trump.

Democratic Candidates

State Auditor Rob Sand announced his candidacy for governor on May 12. As the only Democrat elected to statewide office in Iowa, Sand has raised $8.6 million in fundraising and has begun a statewide town hall tour targeting all 99 counties. His campaign emphasizes bringing political balance back to the state and fostering dialogue between different political groups.

Political consultant Julie Stauch also launched her gubernatorial campaign in June. A fifth-generation Iowan, Stauch is the president and CEO of her consulting firm. She previously worked as a K-12 teacher, small business owner, and chief public affairs officer for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. Stauch has focused on rebuilding trust in politics, which she sees as a key issue facing the state.

As the 2026 race progresses, both parties will continue to refine their strategies and build support among voters. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for Iowa’s future direction.