Governor
November 3, 2026 · Iowa · Statewide · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Average · 59 out of 100
This district is mid-sized for its type, so each vote carries average weight. About 3,210,507 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(39,287,377 ÷ 3,210,507) ÷ ln(39,287,377 ÷ 582,397) = 59.47, comparing all statewide districts nationwide (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Average representation + unknown decisiveness → Average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
Governor is responsible for:
- Running the state government and its agencies
- Proposing the state budget
- Signing state bills into law, or vetoing them
- Appointing state officials and, in many states, judges
- Commanding the state National Guard during emergencies
Affected Areas: Environment and Public Health, Reduce Wealth Gap, Anti-Corruption, Government Efficiency, Healthcare Affordability, Government Spending Reduction, Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Social Programs and Welfare, Public Education Quality, Gun Control, Women's Reproductive Rights, Personal Income Tax Reduction, Data Privacy, Civil Rights, Corporate Accountability, Public Infrastructure
Candidates
Rob Sand
Democratic · declared
Rob Sand is the Democratic candidate for Governor of Iowa and the current Iowa Auditor of State. His campaign site says he is running for governor, and AP reported that Sand, Iowa's only Democratic statewide officeholder, announced his 2026 campaign for governor after serving as state auditor.
Records: Anti-Corruption 5 for, Government Efficiency 3 for, Government Spending Reduction 2 for, Public Education Quality 1 for
Zach Lahn
Republican · declared
Zach Lahn is the Republican candidate for Governor of Iowa. His campaign site describes him as a father, farmer, businessman, sixth-generation Iowan, and founder of Homeplace Ventures, and the Iowa Secretary of State candidate list places him on the 2026 general-election ballot for Governor.
Records: Corporate Accountability 2 for, Environment and Public Health 3 for
Election sources
Source: sos.iowa.gov
Source: sos.iowa.gov