At every campaign stop, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand asks the crowd to sing the opening verse of ‘America the Beautiful’ — no matter if a few dozen people or a few hundred fill the room. In 100 town halls across 100 county seats, Sand says someone has always risen to the occasion, lifting those first notes and prompting others to join in with this makeshift choir — sometimes tentatively, sometimes in a full chorus that echoes off gymnasium walls. He is putting his faith in the belief that Democrats, independents and Republicans can come together and embrace a politics he describes as “better and truer” rather than “redder and bluer.” Now, one year out from Election Day and with his first statewide tour complete, Sand’s campaign is entering its next chapter. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #Iowa #Elections #Election2026 #IApolitics