Iowa 2026 gubernatorial race

During the 2026 Iowa governor campaign, Republican nominee Zach Lahn and Democratic candidate Rob Sand first highlighted the state's rapidly rising cancer rates. Iowa reports the fastest-growing cancer rate in the United States, at 498 cases per 100,000 people, approximately 10% higher than the national average. Lahn linked the health crisis to agricultural chemicals and “big pharma,” calling for water-quality testing, a state Cancer Task Force, and an end to immunity for chemical manufacturers, while also expressing opposition to mRNA-based vaccines. Sand advocated for increased pediatric cancer research funding, higher taxes on tobacco and nicotine products, expanded water monitoring, and reversing Medicaid privatization.

A week later, the candidates turned to economic and environmental regulation, proposing new rules for data-center development. Both urged ending tax breaks, requiring facilities to cover full costs—including electricity—and protecting Iowa's water supply. Lahn emphasized local county control over permitting, rejecting a state-level moratorium, and pledged to sue the federal government if necessary. Sand aligned on the need for transparency and local oversight.

As the campaign progressed, water quality emerged as a central political issue. With Iowa ranking second in the nation for cancer incidence, experts have examined links between agricultural pollutants—such as nitrates, pesticides, and PFAS—and human health. Lahn committed to funding the Iowa’s Water and Land Legacy (IWILL) initiative and advocated for regenerative farming practices. Meanwhile, researchers, including Dr. David Cwiertny, have called for restoring full funding to the state’s real-time nitrate monitoring network to track agricultural toxins.