2026 Iowa gubernatorial election

Last updated

2026 Iowa gubernatorial election
Flag of Iowa.svg
  2022 November 3, 20262030 
 
Party Republican Democratic

Incumbent Governor

Kim Reynolds
Republican



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.

Contents

Although Iowa is now seen as a moderately 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

Announcement pending

Potential

Declined

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

  • Paul Dahl, bus driver and perennial candidate [4]

Potential

General election

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
270toWin [7] Safe RJanuary 5, 2025
The Cook Political Report [8] Solid RJanuary 23, 2025

See also

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References

  1. "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  2. Belin, Laura (January 26, 2025). "The four groups Brad Sherman needs to beat Kim Reynolds in a GOP primary". Bleeding Heartland. Retrieved January 28, 2025.
  3. 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. House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, was also asked if he would run for governor...he said he is planning to run for reelection
  4. Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV . Retrieved November 16, 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.
  6. "Rob Sand raised millions more than Kim Reynolds in 2024, fueling theories of governor bid". The Des Moines Register . January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  7. "2025-26 Gubernatorial Elections Map". 270toWin . Retrieved January 22, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.