Democrat Rob Sand wants to be Iowa’s ‘governor for all’

Rob Sand, a Democrat who is running for Iowa governor, responded to Black Iowa News’ 2026 Candidate Questionnaire. Here are his unedited responses.

BLACK IOWA NEWS: Black Iowans face challenges involving household income, homeownership, access to capital and business development. What specific policies would you support to expand economic opportunity, increase homeownership and help Black-owned businesses grow and succeed in Iowa?

Sand: Supporting small businesses has always been important to me. As State Auditor, I recommended cutting red tape to streamline application processes to better support small business owners, including those owned by women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities. As governor, I’d expand those efforts as outlined in my “Opportunities for All” plan by streamlining business application processes for small businesses, updating rules for micro businesses, and reducing unnecessary barriers. 

After a decade of one-party control, Iowa has averaged 48th for personal income growth over the last three years, and Iowans also earn the lowest average hourly wage in the region. I support raising the minimum wage because all Iowans deserve a job with wages that provide for their family. 

I also know that for too many Iowans, homeownership has become out of the question. As governor, I will make Iowa’s down payment and homebuyer assistance interest-free for first-time homebuyers. If we want people to live here, we have to make it easier for them. I will also restore protections to make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against renters, and protect Iowans from unfair price gouging by banning landlords from using AI algorithms to price fix and raise rents. 

BLACK IOWA NEWS: Question: Black Iowans experience disparities in maternal health, chronic disease and access to affordable, quality health care. What specific actions would you take to address these disparities, improve health outcomes and ensure Black Iowans have access to the care they need?

Sand: Every Iowan deserves access to affordable health care – no matter who you are or where you live. The last decade of privatized Medicaid has been a disaster for our state, increasing costs on both patients and providers and worsening care. As governor, I’d end the privatization of Medicaid to put Iowans’ health – not profits – first. In my “Healthier Iowa for All” plan, I outline how I’ll increase access to health care for Iowans, crack down on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) that force patients to use certain pharmacies to boost their bottom lines, expand tele-health services, expand Iowa’s “Surprise Bill” law, protect Iowans from medical debt, and lower the cost of prescription drugs by establishing a Prescription Drugs Review Board. 

We’ve also seen our state turn into a maternal health desert as wards close across the state and OB-GYNs leave due to Kim Reynolds’ 6-week abortion ban. As governor, I’ll protect Iowans’ fundamental freedoms from further attacks to keep the next generation of health care providers here in Iowa, including by using my veto power. 

BLACK IOWA NEWS: Educational achievement, school funding, access to higher education and the teaching of Black history remain important issues. What policies would you support to improve educational outcomes for Black students, ensure equitable opportunities and prepare young Black Iowans for successful careers and futures in Iowa?

Sand: Improving education for all Iowa kids is a top priority. Iowa was once a leader in public education, but we’ve fallen behind. This is personal to me – I send my kids to Iowa public schools, and am a proud product of Iowa public schools myself. I want to restore Iowa’s public education system to its former glory, and that starts with requiring transparency for the private school voucher program. Right now, Iowa is spending $350 million a year on an unaccountable private school voucher program while our public schools go underfunded. I believe that public dollars need public oversight, and that means private schools should have to follow the same rules as public schools if they take public money. I’ve proposed annual audits, limiting tuition increases, means-testing, and requiring private schools to take the public – just like public schools. 

I’ve also released plans to support every public school kid in Iowa by providing universal school meals to make sure kids aren’t distracted by hunger while trying to learn, and universal all-day Pre-K. Early investments are the best ways to set up our future generation for success, and also saves parents time and money every week on childcare and grocery costs. 

BLACK IOWA NEWS: Issues surrounding discrimination, voting rights, policing and criminal justice continue to affect Black communities. What specific actions would you take to protect civil rights, address racial disparities in the justice system and ensure Black Iowans are treated fairly by government institutions?

Sand: Iowa has always been a leader in civil rights, and I’m proud of that history. 

I started my career as a public corruption prosecutor locking up scammers, thieves, violent criminals and sexually violent predators. I’ve always put the facts and what’s best for Iowans first, taking on corrupt public officials from both parties. As governor, I will work with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. 

BLACK IOWA NEWS: Why should Black Iowans entrust you with their vote? (What in your record demonstrates that you understand the challenges facing Black communities and will take specific actions to improve their lives?)

Sand: I’ve served Iowans for the past eight years as State Auditor, uncovering a record amount of misspent tax money. Before that, I spent seven years as Iowa’s Chief Public Corruption prosecutor, working with law enforcement to lock up thieves, tax abusers, and violent criminals. I’ve always put what’s best for Iowans first. 

I also always show up in communities across the state. Every year, I hold 100 public town halls in all 99 counties. Iowans have an opportunity to hear directly from me, and they also have the opportunity to bring me their concerns. This level of accountability and transparency is something Iowans can expect from me as governor – my door will always be open. I truly want to be a governor for all.