As prophesied, Rob Sand is running for governor

Iowa Democrats' survival is on the ballot in 2026. No pressure

Photo by Austin Goode on Unsplash

Finally, it has come to pass.

It had been long predicted by oracles. At last check, animal entrails, crystal balls and Tarot cards aligned with the stars.

There’s also that $7.5 million campaign account.

So, yes, state Auditor Rob Sand is running for governor of Iowa.

Sand says Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision not to seek re-election had no bearing on his decision to run. Maybe, but it sure increases his chances and Democratic prospects.

At the risk of alarming already plenty alarmed Dems, this is a crucial campaign. Do or die type stuff. Taking back the governor’s office would make Iowa Democrats relevant again. It would come with policymaking power and fundraising clout.

It would dramatically flip the script for a party that hasn’t won the governor’s office since 2006. Only Fred Hubbell gave Reynolds a serious challenge in 2018.

If Democrats don’t pick a winning candidate for governor in 2026, the party could be looking at decades of irrelevance. And Republicans, no matter who wins the GOP nomination, will be favored and well-financed.

"Iowa Democrats' anointed king, Rob Sand, will undoubtedly be just another out-of-touch liberal pushing a radical agenda on our great state. Make no mistake ー Sand supports every extreme Democrat position, including higher taxes, allowing biological men in girl's sports, and the Green New Deal, just to name a few,” said Republican Party of Iowa chair Jeff Kaufmann welcoming Sand to the race in his own special way.

“Iowans will not forget how Rob Sand and his wealthy family are trying to buy him a governorship to impose this far-left agenda,” Kaufmann said.

Glad to see trashing trans kids remains fashionable.

Yeah, and about that campaign account, $7 million was contributed by his wife and in-laws. Sand counters that he also has 28,000 individual donors. On his first day as a candidate, Sand reported raising $2.25 million. None if it came from family members, the Sand campaign said.

The “buy an election” stuff will continue. They did it to Hubbell, whom they nicknamed Sir Frederick. It’s a real hoot watching Republicans attack people for their wealth. But family money spends just like somebody else’s money, so having millions of dollars is better than not having it.

It might scare away some potential contenders. That would be too bad, considering a high-profile primary race would be good for Democrats and the eventual nominee.

Sand, who is from Decorah, will be tougher for Republicans to pigeonhole. He speaks easily and often about his Christian faith, is a gun owner and hunter. His office is decorated with the heads of vanquished prey.

Sand worked as prosecutor in the Iowa Attorney General’s office handling public corruption, including a big lottery rigging scandal. Then he won two statewide elections. Now he’s the only Democrat holding a statewide office in Iowa.

Will Sand be the Democratic nominee? It’s likely unless he has more challengers, particularly from the progressive wing of the party. It’s a seat worth seeking, given the possibility that the midterms could be good for Democrats. But In Iowa, MAGA is strong. Blue waves wash around us like a boulder on the beach.

So, this is it, Iowa Democrats, choose carefully. Win or it’s back to the wilderness. Simple and scary.

(319) 398-8262; todd.dorman@thegazette.com

This column first appeared in The Gazette published in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Subscribe to our independent, employee-owned news outlet.

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