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Des Moines. On Sunday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, president of the Democratic Governors' Association, rallied more than 300 people at The River Place in support of Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand. Beshear cited his two gubernatorial victories in Kentucky — a state that voted heavily for Donald Trump — as evidence Democrats can win statewide in redder states and told the crowd he expected Iowans to elect a Democratic U.S. senator, congressional candidates and a governor in 2026. Sand, who serves as Iowa state auditor and is the only Democrat holding statewide office, has drawn national attention and led fundraising as he prepares for the open-seat contest after Gov. Kim Reynolds said she will not seek reelection. The rally came after a contentious Republican primary that concluded June 2 with businessman and farmer Zach Lahn winning the GOP nomination over U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who had high-profile support. Republicans criticized Sand's appearance with Beshear, with the Republican Governors Association communications director saying national Democrats are lining up behind Sand; Sand responded that Democrats support a Democrat and noted his campaign has more Republican donors than Lahn. Organizers and participants also highlighted Iowa's independent redistricting commission; Beshear did not take questions or discuss any potential 2028 presidential plans at the event.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.