Iowa Governor’s Race Ranked In Top 10 States Most Likely to Flip in 2026

National Journal: “State Auditor Rob Sand might be the strongest Democrat running statewide anywhere in the country this cycle.” 

DES MOINES, IA – Today, on the first day of the 2026 election cycle, National Journal released rankings for the top 10 governor’s races most likely to flip next year, listing Iowa’s governor’s race as number 7, and calling candidate for governor Rob Sand the “strongest Democrat running statewide anywhere in the country this cycle.” Iowa’s 7th-place ranking comes right after five top swing states with key governor’s races, including in Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. 

“On day one of the 2026 cycle, Rob Sand and the Iowa governor’s race is being talked about as the one to watch next year, and it’s not hard to see why: since he launched his campaign, Rob has been traveling the state, meeting voters of all backgrounds and answering their questions, and outlining his vision for an Iowa that isn’t redder or bluer, but better and truer,” said Rob Sand campaign manager Kyle Buda. “For the next year, Rob will keep his foot on the gas and continue meeting Iowa voters where they are to talk about his plans to lower costs, strengthen public education, and help Iowans live better, healthier lives.” 

National Journal also previewed Iowa’s 2026 governor’s race, noting that Rob’s campaign prioritizes “pragmatic governance over partisanship.” Last month, Rob wrapped up his annual 100 Town Hall Tour across the state, connecting with over 10,100 voters over a year before Election Day. After announcing in May, Rob’s candidacy spurred Cook Political Report to give Iowa a rare “double-jump” rating shift to “Lean Republican,” as did Sabato’s Crystal Ball.