Rob Sand elected Iowa’s next governor, ending 20-year GOP control
Rob Sand defeated Zach Lahn 59.4% to 40.6%, campaigning on anti-corruption measures and cannabis legalization to address budget shortfalls.
For the first time in 20 years, Iowa has elected a Democrat for governor.
Decision Desk called the race for Democrat Rob Sand at 8:57 p.m. CST. As of 9:30 p.m. CST, Sand led over Republican Zach Lahn by a count of 59.4% to 40.6%.
The candidates met for three debates, where they discussed Iowa’s rising cancer rates, water quality crisis, education and more.
Sand has promised to take down corruption in Iowa’s state government and suggested legalizing cannabis in Iowa to address the state’s budget shortfalls.
The race attracted millions of dollars in outside funding, most of which came from the Republican Governors Association. Sand received millions in contributions from Iowa residents and organizations.
The Democrat joins a divided government, where Republicans hold a commanding majority in Iowa’s House and Senate.
Sand comes to the role after seven years as Iowa’s state auditor, where he served as the only Democrat elected to a statewide office.
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