Key Highlights
- Randy Feenstra leads early in Iowa’s Republican primary.
- Congressional Auditor Rob Sand wins the Democratic primary unopposed.
- Iowa Republicans face a competitive nomination race after Gov. Kim Reynolds declines to run.
Good evening, you might think this is new, but it’s not. Iowa, the state that often sets the tone for national elections, continues its tradition of early primaries. The 2026 Iowa Governor Primary Election has already kicked off with some intriguing results and a broader context that could shape the upcoming general election.
The Democratic Sweep
Rob Sand, the incumbent Auditor and a Democrat, cruised to victory in his unopposed primary. This is not surprising; Sand’s lack of competition allowed him to secure over 100% of the vote with zero opposition. The race was expected to be uncontested, but such elections often set the stage for the general election.
The Republican Battle
Republicans in Iowa are facing a more competitive and raucous primary process. Three candidates—Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, and Adam Steen—are fighting for their party’s nomination after Governor Kim Reynolds decided not to run again. Feenstra has the backing of President Donald Trump, while Lahn aligns himself with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Feenstra leads early with 36.8% of the vote, ahead of Steen and Lahn.
However, the race is far from over, as Steen trails by only a narrow margin with 20.1%. The remaining votes will be crucial in determining who emerges victorious.
Geographic Disparities
The results so far show significant geographic disparities within Iowa. In counties like Allamakee, the race is neck-and-neck between Feenstra and Steen. Meanwhile, Des Moines shows early signs of support for Feenstra, while other areas remain closely divided.
Implications
The Republican primary in Iowa could be a bellwether for national politics. A competitive nomination race might lead to a candidate who can bring fresh ideas or unify the party around a particular platform. The Democratic victory for Sand is also significant, as it sets the stage for a potentially strong general election campaign.
So, what does this mean for 2026?
It’s too early to call, but one thing is clear: Iowa’s primary is shaping up to be an interesting and unpredictable battle. Stay tuned.