Iowa Governor Candidate Rob Sand’s Democratic Ties Under Scrutiny

Rob Sand, a Democratic candidate for governor in Iowa, is making efforts to create the impression that he isn’t closely aligned with the Democratic Party. In a conversation with Bill Hemmer from Fox News last month, Sand remarked, “I think the two-choice system, Bill, is actually more about controlling us than it is about hearing us or solving our problems,” noting that he initially registered as an independent.

When questioned about why he decided not to run as an independent, Sand didn’t provide a clear response, instead suggesting that “I think most voters understand why.”

Despite his attempts to distance himself, Sand has publicly identified as a Democrat. He has held the position of state auditor in Iowa for two full terms, being the only statewide elected Democrat in the state. He is set to compete against Republican Zach Lahn in the November election to replace outgoing Republican Governor Kim Reynolds.

Financial backing for Sand’s campaign comes from notable Democratic governors like Gavin Newsom from California and Andy Beshear from Kentucky, the latter of whom leads the Democratic Governors Association. Beshear has actively campaigned for Sand in Iowa, expressing excitement about their collaboration in making changes that will benefit Iowans.

During a June event, Beshear even stated, “I am living, breathing proof that Democrats can win anywhere, and we should be fighting everywhere.”

Sand has received over six figures in funding from far-left Illinois Governor JB Pritzker as well as LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. He was also a co-chair for Joe Biden’s Iowa campaign in 2020 and has endorsed various Democratic initiatives, including the “Green New Deal.”

However, his campaign has faced accusations of misleading ads aimed at Iowa voters, with the Iowa Republican Party claiming that Sand’s campaign falsely labeled a Biden political organizer as a “lifelong Republican.”

Moreover, Sand didn’t address derogatory comments made about Iowa farmers by fellow Democrat Chris Jones, who suggested that farming is an easy task and that farmers are only engaged in work a few weeks each year. Jones is campaigning for state agriculture commissioner and would potentially collaborate with Sand if he wins the governorship.

Kollin Crompton, communications director for the Republican Governor’s Association, commented that national Democrats are rallying behind Sand because they believe he will prioritize their interests. He criticized Sand for wanting to shift Iowa’s election system towards California’s model and for plans to base the state budget on marijuana revenue, which might lead to tax increases on working families.