Wide-Open Race
The surprising news Friday morning that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds would not run in 2026 means it’s a wide-open race, and there’s just as much likelihood a Democrat will flip the seat as there is a Republican holding it.
There was lots of talk in the late spring and early summer last year that Reynolds would not run. But that seemed to change as the summer went on, and she clearly hinted to reporters in February that she was going to run. Her statement indicated that family issues were a factor, and I don’t doubt it; I also won’t speculate, but for those who are taking jabs at the “family” reason since her term does not end until January 2027, I would note there’s a difference between being governor…and being governor while also running a second full schedule as a candidate. And the 2026 campaign gets going this summer, especially with a primary in June 2026.
I also want to tamp down the glee shown by some folks on social media, saying the Morning Consult poll released that morning showing her as the least popular governor in America forced her out. She’s held that title before, and still won re-election plus added to the legislative majorities…plus you don’t wake up one morning, see a poll, and then before lunch create a highly produced video plus have tipped off key allies so their congratulatory news releases would come out within minutes of your video. The timing is at best coincidental but hardly related.
So now what? There’s a far greater chance Democrat Rob Sand, currently the State Auditor, makes the run now that it’s an open seat. As for Republicans, it will be interesting if Reynolds endorses a successor or lets a primary play out. The logical place to look are other state office holders; attorney general Brenna Bird and ag secretary Mike Naig have been mentioned—both are on KXEL with me this week, monthly visits that had already been scheduled. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson has made no secret of her desire for the job, if not U.S. Senate. Congressman Zach Nunn has a great record and flipped a blue seat that included Des Moines red. Former state representative Brad Sherman is already in the race. No doubt others will test the waters before Memorial Day. Our KXEL Poll Question of the Day today, in fact, asks for your choice to succeed Reynolds on the GOP side…go to kxel.com/poll to weigh in.
Just when you thought it was going to be a calm election cycle–alright, we never thought that, but we also didn’t expect this.
