Rob Sand
Iowa State Auditor · Democratic · Iowa
Rob Sand is Iowa’s two-term State Auditor and a former public-corruption prosecutor, running as the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s open 2026 race for governor.
Profile last updated Jul 7, 2026 · Center Field Politics
Scout's Report
A government-watchdog auditor with a bipartisan-accountability brand and proven statewide crossover appeal in a Republican-leaning state.
Core Strength
A watchdog record, statewide win history, and a bipartisan accountability message.
Core Weakness
Runs as a Democrat in a state that has trended strongly Republican.
Recent Action
Entered Iowa’s open 2026 gubernatorial race as Gov. Kim Reynolds decided to retire.
Key Metrics
- Reliability
- 98%
- Documented Controversies
- 0
- Funding Secured
- $55M
Roll-call or session participation — did they show up?
Official ethics findings or court records only.
State audit and accountability work directed during his tenure (absolute).
Where They Stand
Stances on the issues many voters care most about. Where a candidate has not given a clear answer we mark it "Mixed / Partial" or "Unclear" rather than guess. Positions are drawn from official records and bias-labeled news sources; they are descriptive only and are never scored.
Environment—Supports3
Climate protections and regulation versus fewer climate-related regulations on industry.
Backs clean-energy investment and conservation, with attention to farm interests.
Healthcare—Supports3
Expanding healthcare coverage for all versus expanding market-based, private insurance.
Supports expanding coverage and lowering costs; not single-payer.
Second Amendment—Mixed / Partial3
New firearm regulations versus no new firearm regulations.
Balances support for gun rights with targeted safety measures.
Immigration—Supports3
Pathways to citizenship versus a closed-border approach.
Supports comprehensive reform with border resources.
Roe v. Wade—Supports4
Protecting access to abortion versus restricting access to abortion.
Supports abortion-access protections.
National Security—Mixed / Partial3
Whether diplomacy or military strength should be the primary national-security priority.
Emphasizes congressional authorization and diplomacy over unilateral escalation.
Party Loyalty
Party-line alignment on major recorded votes.
Built the State Auditor’s office around a "tri-partisan" leadership team and audited officials of both parties, cultivating a bipartisan-accountability reputation.