Democrat Rob Sand has won Iowa’s governor’s race, defeating Republican Zach Lahn and becoming the first Democrat elected governor of the state since 2006. CBS News and the Associated Press called the race on Nov. 3, Election Day.
In an interview with CBS News correspondent Lana Zak recorded before voters went to the polls, Sand discussed his priorities and his effort to win support from Republican voters. “Right wing, left wing — same bird,” he said. CBS News published the extended interview after the result.
Sand, Iowa’s state auditor, will succeed Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who did not seek another term. His victory ends Republican control of the governor’s office, but he will take office with Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of the state legislature, Iowa Public Radio reported.
Legislative majorities will shape Sand’s agenda
Sand’s campaign priorities included expanding access to pre-kindergarten and school meals, addressing health care costs and seeking changes to Iowa’s Medicaid program. He has proposed reversing the state’s privatization of Medicaid through executive action. These are campaign commitments, not policies already enacted.
His term is scheduled to begin on Jan. 12, 2027. Proposals that require legislation or state funding will need to be addressed with the Republican-led legislature. The race has been called for Sand, but no final vote total or margin is included here.