2026 Iowa gubernatorial election

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 term in office.^[2]^[3] Primaries for this election will be held on June 2, 2026.^[1]

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Brad Sherman, former state representative from the 91st district (2023–2025)^[4]

Formed exploratory committee

Mike Bousselot, state senator from the 21st district (2023–present)^[5]
Randy Feenstra, U.S. representative from Iowa's 4th congressional district (2021–present)^[6]

Publicly expressed interest

Brenna Bird, Attorney General of Iowa (2023–present)^[7]
Pat Grassley, Speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives (2020–present) from the 57th district (2007–present) and grandson of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley^[8]
Bobby Kaufmann, state representative from the 82nd district (2013–present)^[8] (if Grassley doesn't run)^[9]
Amy Sinclair, President of the Iowa Senate (2023–present) from the 12th district (2013–present) and former Acting Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (2024)^[9]

Potential

Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of The Family Leader, nominee for lieutenant governor in 2006, and candidate for governor in 2002, 2006, and 2010^[7]
Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to NATO (2025–present), nominee for state treasurer in 2002, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2014^[7]

Declined

Chris Cournoyer, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (2024–present) (running for state auditor)^[10]
Ashley Hinson, U.S. representative from Iowa's 2nd congressional district (2021–present)^[11]
Kari Lake, senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media (2025–present) and nominee for governor of Arizona in 2022 and U.S. senator in 2024^[12]
Mariannette Miller-Meeks, U.S. representative from Iowa’s 1st congressional district (2021–present)^[13]
Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture (2018–present) (running for re-election)^[14]
Zach Nunn, U.S. representative from Iowa's 3rd congressional district (2023–present)^[15]
Kim Reynolds, incumbent governor (2017–present)^[2]

Endorsements

Mike Bousselot (not declared)

Executive branch officials

Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China (2017–2020) and former Governor of Iowa (1983–1999, 2011–2017)^[5]

Brad Sherman

Executive branch officials

Sam Clovis, Senior White House Advisor to the United States Department of Agriculture (2017–2018)^[16]

State senators

Kevin Alons, 7th district (2023–present)^[16]
Doug Campbell, 30th district (2025–present)^[16]
Jim Carlin, 3rd district (2017–2023)^[16]
Dennis Guth, 28th district (2023–present) and 14th district (2013–2023)^[16]
Sandy Salmon, 29th district (2023–present)^[16]

State representatives

Mark Cisneros, 96th district (2023–present) and 91st district (2021–2023)^[16]
Judd Lawler, 91st district (2025–present)^[16]
Anne Osmundson, 64th district (2019–2025)^[16]
Luana Stoltenberg, 81st district (2023–2025)^[16]

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Paul Dahl, bus driver and perennial candidate^[17]
Rob Sand, Iowa Auditor of State (2019–present)^[18]

Filed paperwork

Julie Stauch, activist^[19]

Endorsements

Rob Sand

Organizations

End Citizens United^[20]

General election

Predictions

Source	Ranking	As of
The Cook Political Report^[21]	Lean R	May 12, 2025
Inside Elections^[22]	Battleground	February 6, 2025
Sabato's Crystal Ball^[23]	Likely R	May 1, 2025

References

^ ^a ^b "State of Iowa Election Calendar 2026" (PDF). sos.gov. Secretary of State of Iowa. January 1, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Pfannenstiel, Brianne. "Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announces she will not seek reelection to another term". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
^ "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (February 17, 2025). "Former Republican state representative to challenge Kim Reynolds for Iowa governor seat". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
^ ^a ^b "Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot launching exploratory campaign for 2026 governor's race". KCCI. April 21, 2025. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (May 13, 2025). "Randy Feenstra launches exploratory committee as he weighs gubernatorial run in 2026". Des Moines Register. Retrieved May 13, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c Gorman, Reese (April 11, 2025). "Rep. Zach Nunn Is Talking With His Family About a Potential Run for Governor". NOTUS. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Gruber-Miller, Stephen (April 14, 2025). "House Speaker Pat Grassley one of three Iowa GOP lawmakers not ruling out run for governor". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
^ ^a ^b Tallal, Skylar (April 15, 2025). "Iowa Republicans hint at 2026 gubernatorial bids after Reynolds' announcement". KGAN. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (April 28, 2025). "Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer files paperwork to run for state auditor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (April 29, 2025). "Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
^ Martin, Sabine (April 17, 2025). "Is Kari Lake returning to Iowa to run for political office? What she said". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
^ "Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks will not run for governor in 2026". KCRG. April 15, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
^ "Naig announces re-election campaign for agriculture secretary, will not run for Iowa governor". KCCI. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
^ Pfannenstiel, Brianne (May 2, 2025). "Iowa Republican US Rep. Zach Nunn confirms he will not run for governor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Barton, Tom (April 16, 2025). "Now that Kim Reynolds won't seek re-election, which Republicans are eyeing a run for Iowa governor?". The Gazette. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
^ Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
^ Tallal, Skylar (May 12, 2025). "Iowa Auditor Rob Sand announces 2026 gubernatorial run". KGAN. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
^ Belin, Laura (April 29, 2025). "Governor's office sues DM Register; new candidates for governor and auditor". Iowa politics with Laura Belin. Retrieved May 1, 2025 – via Substack.
^ "End Citizens United Endorses Rob Sand for Iowa Governor". admin.endcitizensunited.org. May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.

External links

Official campaign websites

[electionsdates-1] "State of Iowa Election Calendar 2026" (PDF). sos.gov. Secretary of State of Iowa. January 1, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2025.

[:0-2] Pfannenstiel, Brianne. "Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announces she will not seek reelection to another term". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 11, 2025.

[3] "Gov. Kim Reynolds' approval rating drops to lowest point, according to new poll". KCCI. September 24, 2024. Retrieved December 24, 2024.

[4] Pfannenstiel, Brianne (February 17, 2025). "Former Republican state representative to challenge Kim Reynolds for Iowa governor seat". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved February 17, 2025.

[Bousselot-5] "Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot launching exploratory campaign for 2026 governor's race". KCCI. April 21, 2025. Retrieved April 21, 2025.

[6] Pfannenstiel, Brianne (May 13, 2025). "Randy Feenstra launches exploratory committee as he weighs gubernatorial run in 2026". Des Moines Register. Retrieved May 13, 2025.

[Nunn-7] Gorman, Reese (April 11, 2025). "Rep. Zach Nunn Is Talking With His Family About a Potential Run for Governor". NOTUS. Retrieved April 11, 2025.

[Grassley-8] Gruber-Miller, Stephen (April 14, 2025). "House Speaker Pat Grassley one of three Iowa GOP lawmakers not ruling out run for governor". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 16, 2025.

[Tallal-9] Tallal, Skylar (April 15, 2025). "Iowa Republicans hint at 2026 gubernatorial bids after Reynolds' announcement". KGAN. Retrieved April 16, 2025.

[10] Pfannenstiel, Brianne (April 28, 2025). "Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer files paperwork to run for state auditor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 28, 2025.

[11] Pfannenstiel, Brianne (April 29, 2025). "Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson rules out running for Iowa governor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 29, 2025.

[12] Martin, Sabine (April 17, 2025). "Is Kari Lake returning to Iowa to run for political office? What she said". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved April 17, 2025.

[13] "Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks will not run for governor in 2026". KCRG. April 15, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025.

[14] "Naig announces re-election campaign for agriculture secretary, will not run for Iowa governor". KCCI. May 20, 2025. Retrieved May 20, 2025.

[15] Pfannenstiel, Brianne (May 2, 2025). "Iowa Republican US Rep. Zach Nunn confirms he will not run for governor in 2026". The Des Moines Register. Retrieved May 2, 2025.

[shermancampaign-16] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j Barton, Tom (April 16, 2025). "Now that Kim Reynolds won't seek re-election, which Republicans are eyeing a run for Iowa governor?". The Gazette. Retrieved May 20, 2025.

[17] Hendricks, Conner (November 13, 2024). "Democrat announces candidacy for 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race". KCRG-TV. Retrieved November 16, 2024.

[18] Tallal, Skylar (May 12, 2025). "Iowa Auditor Rob Sand announces 2026 gubernatorial run". KGAN. Retrieved May 12, 2025.

[19] Belin, Laura (April 29, 2025). "Governor's office sues DM Register; new candidates for governor and auditor". Iowa politics with Laura Belin. Retrieved May 1, 2025 – via Substack.

[20] "End Citizens United Endorses Rob Sand for Iowa Governor". admin.endcitizensunited.org. May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.

[21] "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved May 12, 2025.

[22] "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.

[23] "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

[9]

[10]

[11]

[12]

[13]

[14]

[15]

[16]

[17]

[18]

[19]

[20]

[21]

[22]

[23]

v t e (2025 ←) 2026 United States elections (→ 2027)
U.S. Senate	Alabama Alaska Arkansas Colorado Delaware Florida (special) Georgia Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Montana Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina Ohio (special) Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia Wyoming
U.S. House	Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Governors	Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico New York Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Vermont Wisconsin Wyoming
Lieutenant governors	Alabama Arkansas California Georgia Idaho Nevada Oklahoma Rhode Island Texas Vermont
Attorneys general	Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Guam Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nebraska Nevada New Mexico New York North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Texas Vermont Wisconsin
Secretaries of state	Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Georgia Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Dakota Ohio Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Vermont Wisconsin Wyoming
State treasurers	Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Maryland Massachusetts Nebraska Nevada New Mexico New York Ohio Oklahoma Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Texas Vermont Wisconsin Wyoming
Judicial	Alabama Supreme Court Minnesota North Carolina Tennessee Wisconsin Supreme Court
Other statewide elections	Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Auditor Public Service Commission California State Superintendent Ohio Auditor Iowa Auditor
State legislatures	Alabama House Senate Alaska House Senate Arizona House Senate Arkansas House Senate California Assembly Senate Colorado House Senate Connecticut House Senate Delaware House Senate Florida House Senate Georgia House Senate Hawaii House Senate Idaho House Senate Illinois House Senate Indiana House Senate Iowa House Senate Kansas House Kentucky House Senate Maine House Senate Maryland House Senate Massachusetts House Senate Michigan House Senate Minnesota House Senate Missouri House Senate Montana House Senate Nebraska Nevada Assembly Senate New Hampshire House Senate New Mexico House New York Assembly Senate North Carolina House Senate North Dakota House Senate Ohio House Senate Oklahoma House Senate Oregon House Senate Pennsylvania House Senate Rhode Island House Senate South Carolina House South Dakota House Senate Tennessee House Senate Texas House Senate Utah House Senate Vermont House Senate Washington House Senate West Virginia House Senate Wisconsin Assembly Senate Wyoming House Senate
Mayors	Los Angeles, CA Washington, DC
Local	Anne Arundel County, MD Baltimore County, MD Frederick County, MD Harford County, MD Howard County, MD Los Angeles, CA Montgomery County, MD Orange County, FL Prince George's County, MD Wicomico County, MD
Statewide	Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Ballot measures	Kansas Supreme Court Elections Amendment

Republican primary

Candidates

Declared

Formed exploratory committee

Publicly expressed interest

Potential

Declined

Endorsements

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared

Filed paperwork

Endorsements

General election

Predictions

See also

References

External links