Iowa's 2026 gubernatorial race got off to an unexpected start when Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds shocked observers by announcing she would not seek reelection.

Reynolds' decision reset the state's political landscape and shifted the race to succeed her into overdrive. Republicans across the state began pondering whether to jump into the race, opening the door to a potentially crowded primary field.

In the weeks that followed, several high-profile Republicans took their names out of the running, including Attorney General Brenna Bird, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig and Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley. U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn ruled out running, reconsidered the possibility, and then ruled it out again.

But the playing field has begun to settle as more Republicans finalize their decisions and the Democratic primary field steadies.

Here's a look at who's running for governor in Iowa.

Republicans

State Rep. Eddie Andrews

State Rep. Eddie Andrews launched his campaign at a rally on June 4.

Andrews represents Iowa House District 43 and was reelected to a third term in 2024. His district includes Johnston, as well as parts of Urbandale and Saylorville.

Andrews said he'll run a campaign focused on improving Iowa's education system, combating human trafficking, eliminating property taxes and fighting against the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines.

More: GOP state Rep. Eddie Andrews launches 'ground up' campaign for Iowa governor in 2026

Former state Rep. Brad Sherman

Former state Rep. Brad Sherman announced in February he would run for governor, even before Reynolds declared she would not seek reelection.

Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg, was an early endorser of Republican President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 GOP presidential caucuses. He has been involved in pastoral leadership and church ministry in Iowa for four decades and has worked with various anti-abortion organizations.

More: Republican governor candidate Brad Sherman explains why he's challenging Kim Reynolds

State Sen. Mike Bousselot (formed exploratory committee)

State Sen. Mike Bousselot announced April 21 that he would form an exploratory committee for governor as he weighs a formal entry into the race.

“What people care about is that you show up and listen and you work hard for their vote,” he said. “So that's what I'm doing. I'm exploring a run for governor, showing up to places around the state, and I'm listening to what is important to people.”

More: Exploring a run for governor, Mike Bousselot goes on the attack against Rob Sand

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (formed exploratory committee)

U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra announced May 13 he was forming an exploratory committee to weigh a run for governor, and he has aggressively made moves toward a formal campaign.

He announced shortly after the committee's launch that he had raised more than $3.2 million. And he launched a $400,000 advertising buy across the state, which made him the first declared or potential candidate to air television ads. He has emphasized his closeness to Republican President Donald Trump.

More: Exploring a run for governor, Randy Feenstra touts work on Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

Democrats

State Auditor Rob Sand

State Auditor Rob Sand announced May 12 he would run for governor. He is the only Democrat elected to statewide office in Iowa.

Sand announced $8.6 million in fundraising at the end of last year, and he kicked off a statewide town hall tour targeting all 99 counties.

He has said his goal is to help people across party lines talk to each other again and bring political balance back to the state.

More: Iowa Auditor Rob Sand embarks on run for governor emphasizing differences with Democrats

Political consultant Julie Stauch

Political consultant Julie Stauch kicked off her gubernatorial campaign in June.

Stauch is a fifth-generation Iowan and is the president and CEO of consulting company Julie Stauch and Associates. She previously was a K-12 teacher, small business owner and chief public affairs officer for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.

"Trust is the whole problem right now,” she said of politics. “Nobody trusts anybody, and what we have to do is rebuild trust,"

More: Iowa governor election 2026: Democratic operative Julie Stauch launches campaign

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa governor's race 2026: Here's who's running and who's not