2026 Iowa gubernatorial election

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 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

Candidates

Potential

Kim Reynolds, incumbent governor (2017–present)

Declined

Pat Grassley, speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives (running for re-election)^[2]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Paul Dahl, bus driver and perennial candidate^[3]

Publicly expressed interest

Jennifer Konfrst, minority leader of the Iowa House of Representatives^[2]

Potential

Rob Sand, Iowa Auditor of State^[4]^[5]

References

^ "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
^ ^a ^b 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.
^ Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
^ Gruber-Miller, Stephen (June 23, 2024). "Iowa Poll: Democrat Rob Sand has higher job approval than GOP's Kim Reynolds, Brenna Bird". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (December 20, 2024). "Morning Digest: Thank you for everything this year. We'd be grateful for your support". The Downballot. Retrieved December 20, 2024.

[1] "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.

[Konfrst-2] 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.

[3] Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV. Retrieved November 16, 2024.

[4] Gruber-Miller, Stephen (June 23, 2024). "Iowa Poll: Democrat Rob Sand has higher job approval than GOP's Kim Reynolds, Brenna Bird". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved September 13, 2024.

[5] Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (December 20, 2024). "Morning Digest: Thank you for everything this year. We'd be grateful for your support". The Downballot. Retrieved December 20, 2024.

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