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Elections in Iowa |
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The 2026 Iowa gubernatorial election will be held on November 3, 2026, [1] to elect the governor of the state of Iowa. On April 11, 2025, incumbent Republican Governor Kim Reynolds declined to seek re-election to a third full term in office. [2] [3] Primaries for this election will be held on June 2, 2026. [1]
This is the first open seat gubernatorial election in the state since 2006.
Source | Ranking | As of |
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The Cook Political Report [32] | Lean R | September 11, 2025 |
Inside Elections [33] | Likely R | August 28, 2025 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball [34] | Lean R | September 4, 2025 |
Race to the WH [35] | Tossup | September 11, 2025 |
Rep. Grassley had previously said he was considering a run for governor
GOP State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to run for [majority leader]. He originally was strongly considering a run for governor but said a statewide position isn't in the cards
Vander Plaats waved off any suggestion he might be compelled to seek the nomination himself. 'I'm not running,' he said.