Rob Sand, Iowa's Democratic state auditor and gubernatorial nominee, faces scrutiny over his attendance at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines, a progressive congregation that supports LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access. Sand emphasizes his faith and moderate stance during a 99-county tour, holding a narrow edge in his bid to become Iowa's first Democratic governor in two decades. Opponent Zach Lahn's campaign argues the church's views conflict with Iowa values.
Rob Sand's church attendance and response
- ▪Rob Sand, Iowa's state auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, regularly attended Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines as of late 2025.
- ▪A spokesperson for Democratic candidate Rob Sand stated that Sand attends church weekly in Iowa, prefers traditional services with classic hymns, and holds an independent mindset.
- ▪A spokesperson for Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn stated that the progressive teachings and stances at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ do not represent Iowa values.
Progressive actions at Plymouth Congregational church
- ▪Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines hosted drag queen Flamy Grant for a concert in May 2025 and promoted a drag event in 2026.
- ▪Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ invited transgender pastor Paula Stone Williams as a guest pastor in 2023 and joined Statehouse protests supporting transgender rights in February 2025.
- ▪Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ held a prayer vigil supporting abortion rights in May 2022 and rallied against abortion regulations at the Iowa State Capitol in July 2023.
Rob Sand's campaign style and message
- ▪Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand emphasizes his Christian faith on the campaign trail while presenting himself as an independent-minded politician who shuns party-based division.
- ▪Rob Sand, Iowa's 44-year-old state auditor and Democratic nominee for governor, conducts a 99-county campaign tour across Iowa.
- ▪Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand opens his campaign town halls by speaking against major party polarization and leading audience members in singing 'America the Beautiful.'
Political context of the Iowa governor's race
- ▪Retiring Republican Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa recorded an approval rating lower than 49 other U.S. governors in 2025.
- ▪Democratic candidate Rob Sand holds a narrow edge in the 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race to become Iowa's first Democratic governor in 20 years.
Clergy candidates in the 2026 midterms
- ▪Republican candidates, including Iowa congressional candidate Joe Mitchell, have criticized Democratic clergy candidates as 'pastors in name only.'
- ▪Five Democratic clergy or seminarian candidates are on the ballot for U.S. congressional races in November 2026, including four in competitive contests.
- ▪Twelve pastors, seminarians, and former clergy ran as Democrats in the 2026 midterm election cycle, with about half securing party nominations.
Debatable claims
- ▪Questioning a candidate's religious authenticity is a legitimate form of political criticism
- ▪Progressive church teachings on social issues conflict with core Iowa values
- ▪Candidates should publicly clarify agreement or disagreement with their church's political actions
- ▪Rob Sand's progressive church attendance reflects his true political values
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