Lahn: Democrats ‘Pretending’ on Bad Policies in Iowa Governor Race
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn says his Democratic opponent Rob Sand is hiding behind a false image because progressive ideas don’t sell in Iowa. In an exclusive interview on the “Ruthless Podcast,” Lahn argued that Sand’s endorsements from national left-wing figures reveal a disconnect from Iowa values.
“The Democrats are realizing that their ideas don’t sell,” Lahn said. “So what do they have to do? They have to pretend to be somebody they’re not.”
What Did Lahn Say About Sand’s Endorsements?
Lahn pointed to Sand’s backing from progressive icons like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. He contrasted that with his own focus on agriculture and local issues that resonate with everyday Iowans.
“A lot of our campaign, even in the primary, people said, ‘You can’t run a Republican primary running on the issues you’re running on,’” Lahn said. “And I said, ‘We can because this is what the people actually care about. I know because I’m with them. I’m one of them.’”
Lahn, a farmer and businessman, won a crowded primary in June, defeating Rep. Randy Feenstra. He has since earned an endorsement from President Donald Trump and backing from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s MAHA PAC.
How Did Sand’s Campaign Respond?
Sand’s deputy campaign manager, Emma O’Brien, fired back, calling Lahn a “career political operative” who can’t answer basic questions about where he lives. She noted Sand’s support from over 2,400 registered Republicans and 6,000 no-party voters.
“Iowans aren’t buying what career political operative Zach Lahn is trying to sell them,” O’Brien said.
What Do Polls and History Say About the Race?
Fox News projections currently favor Democrats to beat Lahn, but no Democrat has won Iowa’s governor’s race since 2006. The state has also backed Trump handily in three straight presidential elections.
Podcast co-host Josh Holmes expressed optimism about Lahn’s chances. “What has happened to the Democratic Party over the last 20 years, in particular in states like yours, is that they just no longer resonate,” Holmes said. “They’re culturally divorced from what it is that families are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.”
Holmes also praised Lahn’s unique approach to healthcare policy, a topic many Republicans avoid.
What Are Lahn’s Plans for Iowa?
“I don’t want to go anywhere else but this seat to be the governor,” Lahn said. “I want to help make Iowa the best place to raise a family, start businesses, all of these things. And I think we’ve got a good foundation right now.”
He noted that the New York Times has suggested Sand is a likely candidate for a future presidential run, raising questions about Sand’s commitment to Iowa.
FAQ: Iowa Governor’s Race 2026
Who is Zach Lahn?
Zach Lahn is a Republican candidate for Iowa governor, a farmer and businessman who won a crowded primary in June 2026. He is endorsed by President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Who is Rob Sand?
Rob Sand is the Democratic candidate for Iowa governor and the current State Auditor. He has endorsements from national progressives like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
When is the Iowa governor election?
The election is scheduled for November 2026 as part of the midterm elections.
Photo: Yahoo