When is the Iowa 2026 general election?

Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Iowa › Races › Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Governor and Lieutenant Governor — Iowa 2026

2 candidates on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot (official Iowa Secretary of State list, as of October 29, 2026). Grades reflect each candidate's public record on life, family, religious liberty, the Second Amendment, limited government and fiscal responsibility.

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Candidates

BZach LahnRepublican

Running mate: Derek Wulf

Candidate for Governor (Republican); running mate Derek Wulf.

LifeAFamilyBReligious libertyB2nd AmendmentALimited gov’tBFiscalB

Listed on Iowa Right to Life's 2026 A+ questionnaire list, rated AQ (endorsed) by NRA-PVF, and named by The FAMiLY Leader as a pro-life and pro-family candidate.

Life: On Iowa Right to Life's 2026 questionnaire A+ list and named by The FAMiLY Leader as a pro-life candidate.
Family: Named by The FAMiLY Leader as a pro-family candidate; no specific record captured.
Religious liberty: No specific positions found; Republican rated Conservative by iVoterGuide.
2nd Amendment: Rated AQ (A based on questionnaire) and endorsed by NRA-PVF for 2026.
Limited gov’t: No specific positions found; Republican rated Conservative by iVoterGuide.
Fiscal: No specific positions found; Republican rated Conservative by iVoterGuide.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Ballotpedia

DRob SandDemocratic

Running mate: Dave Muhlbauer

Candidate for Governor (Democratic); running mate Dave Muhlbauer.

LifeDFamilyDReligious libertyC2nd AmendmentCLimited gov’tDFiscalD

Rated C by NRA-PVF and Liberal by iVoterGuide; no explicit positions found on the other values.

Life: No explicit pro-life positions found; running as Democrat suggests pro-choice alignment.
Family: No explicit positions found on marriage, family or parental rights; Democratic platform alignment suggested.
Religious liberty: No specific religious-liberty record or statements found.
2nd Amendment: Rated C by NRA-PVF for 2026.
Limited gov’t: No explicit positions found on school choice or deregulation; Democratic platform alignment suggested.
Fiscal: No explicit tax or spending positions found; Democratic platform alignment suggested.

Sources: [1] [2]

Ballotpedia

More Iowa 2026 races

United States Senator · Secretary of State · Auditor of State · Treasurer of State · Secretary of Agriculture · Attorney General