Rob Sand Says He Isn’t Trying to Turn Iowa Blue. It Just Might Happen Anyway.
The most unusual ritual in American politics in the scorched and cynical runup to the 2026 midterm elections takes place as often as five times a day—in restaurants and breweries, in rec centers and old churches, in train depots and art spaces, and in at least one possibly haunted pioneer museum—when Rob Sand, the 44-year-old […]
In a unique political ritual, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand asks audience members to sing the first verse of "America the Beautiful" during his campaign appearances throughout Iowa. The 44-year-old state auditor, known for his youthful appearance and light brown hair, has been touring the state's 99 counties, urging people to work together despite political differences.
At an event at the Dubuque County Fairgrounds, Sand even posed the question, "What if politics just felt like that all the time?" He campaigns at various locations, including breweries, rec centers, and old churches, demonstrating unity among Republicans, independents, and Democrats. With trust in Congress at a modern low of 9 percent and Americans' belief in elected officials being at 17 percent, Iowa faces challenges such as toxic water, cancer growth, economic stagnation, and a shrinking population.
Republican Kim Reynolds has a lower approval rating than Sand in the state, making him an unexpected frontrunner for the first Democrat to be elected governor in 20 years.
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