Sand holds 12-point lead over Lahn for Iowa governor while Hinson trails Turek in Senate race: Poll

The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race features Democrat Rob Sand, the current state auditor, and Republican businessman Zach Lahn, who are vying to succeed retiring Governor Kim Reynolds. During their first debate and subsequent campaign stops, the candidates clashed over Lahn's residency history, tax policy, and the state's rising cancer rates. Sand has criticized the Trump administration's changes to the SNAP program and Iowa's refusal of summer food assistance, while Lahn has labeled Sand a 'radical liberal' and targeted Sand's campaign funding from his wife's family business. The race occurs in a state that has trended Republican for over a decade, though Sand currently holds a lead in public polling.

The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race features Democrat Rob Sand, the current state auditor, and Republican businessman Zach Lahn, who are vying to succeed retiring Governor Kim Reynolds. During their first debate and subsequent campaign stops, the candidates clashed over Lahn's residency history, tax policy, and the state's rising cancer rates. Sand has criticized the Trump administration's changes to the SNAP program and Iowa's refusal of summer food assistance, while Lahn has labeled Sand a 'radical liberal' and targeted Sand's campaign funding from his wife's family business. The race occurs in a state that has trended Republican for over a decade, though Sand currently holds a lead in public polling.