Iowa Voters Choose Between Sand and Lahn to Succeed Reynolds

Iowa voters are choosing between Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn to replace Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is not seeking another term. The competitive race could disrupt Republican control of state government, despite Democrats’ disadvantage in party registration. Both candidates have criticized the status quo and highlighted concerns including the budget deficit, rising costs, health care access, cancer rates and water pollution, while offering different approaches to the state’s future. Sand has emphasized his anti-corruption work as state auditor and appeal to rural voters; political newcomer Lahn has drawn support from grassroots activists and the Make America Healthy Again movement. Voters in Page County described trying to sort through attack ads and campaign messages to judge which candidate best represents their interests.