![]() | |||||||
| |||||||
| |||||||
|
Elections in Iowa |
---|
![]() |
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 |
---|---|---|
The Cook Political Report [30] | Lean R | May 12, 2025 |
Inside Elections [31] | Likely R | August 28, 2025 |
Sabato's Crystal Ball [32] | Likely R | May 1, 2025 |
Race to the WH [33] | Tossup | June 30, 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.