Statement on Iowa Primary Election Results

DES MOINES, IA – Tonight, candidate for governor Rob Sand officially secured the Democratic nomination for governor of Iowa following the state’s primary election, setting the stage for a competitive general election campaign. Please see below for a statement from the Sand campaign on the results of tonight’s primary election:

“Rob Sand is entering the general election with historic grassroots momentum, a clear vision for Iowa’s future, and a campaign rooted in public service and building a better, truer Iowa,” said Deputy Campaign Manager Emma O’Brien. “Throughout this campaign, Rob has done what he’s always done: show up, listen to Iowans, take on the toughest challenges facing working families, and build the broad coalition needed to win in November. No matter which flawed candidate emerges from the primary tonight – if any – they’ll still be running on the same failed agenda that has left Iowa families behind. After a decade of one-party rule, Iowans are ready to turn the page, and in November, they’ll elect Rob Sand as the next governor of Iowa.”

Since launching his campaign, Rob has built unmatched fundraising strength and historic grassroots momentum, repeatedly outraising the entire gubernatorial field and shattering records at every turn. Since launching his campaign, Rob’s strength as a candidate has changed the shape of this race — turning what was once seen as a “Solid Republican” contest into a true Toss-Up by showing up across Iowa, listening to people, and focusing on the issues that matter to families. Top political analysts have taken notice: Inside Elections moved the race to “Lean Republican,” citing Rob’s “strong campaign,” and his credentials as a hunter and person of faith, while National Journal ranked Iowa among the top gubernatorial races most likely to flip in 2026 and later called Sand “the strongest Democrat running statewide anywhere in the country this cycle.”