Iowa’s candidates for governor capped off an Iowa State Fair week as loaded as a hot beef sundae. They flipped pork, served up eggs on sticks, cooed at baby animals, conducted interviews and posed for selfies along the fair’s Grand Concourse over the span of the 11-day fair. Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn spoke to large crowds on the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox, braving the rain and the hot sun, where they energized their supporters, touted their plans for the office and promised to deliver for Iowans. The mostly wholesome scenes belied the intensity of the race as campaigning ratchets up and negative ads fly in what is expected to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the country. But there were a few reminders interspersed with the folksy fun. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #DesMoines #Iowa #IowaStateFair #DSMUSA #IApolitics #Election2026