Iowa Democrats Reject Kamala Harris Campaign Support

State auditor Rob Sand, the Democratic nominee for governor, and U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek both told Politico they do not want former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign for them in Iowa. Sand answered “No thanks” when asked if Harris should run for president again in 2028 and also declined any Harris or former President Joe Biden appearances on his behalf. Turek gave a brief “No” to the same question. Both candidates emphasized a need to attract independent and Republican voters in a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by more than 180,000.

The GuardianWashington ExaminerDes Moines Register

The refusals come as Iowa Democrats seek to reverse a two-decade Republican hold on statewide offices. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the governor’s race to “leans Democratic” and the Senate contest to “toss-up,” heightening the importance of a moderate image. Sand, who previously registered as an independent before joining the Democratic Party, has highlighted his “independent mind” and called for eliminating partisan primaries to give independents a larger voice. Turek’s campaign ads stress a bipartisan voting record, noting roughly 700 votes with Republicans and a willingness to work with President Donald Trump if elected.

Des Moines Register

He also rejected speculation about a future presidential bid, stating unequivocally that he would not run for president or serve as a vice-presidential pick. Turek’s brief response conveyed the same stance, declining Harris’s involvement without further comment.

The Guardian

State-level Republicans argue that Sand’s moderate positioning is a façade, pointing to his past support for Biden and Harris in 2020. They contend his “independent” branding masks a conventional Democratic agenda, suggesting his record cannot be erased despite any rhetorical shifts.

Washington Examiner

• “Sand can change his rhetoric, but he can’t erase his record,” — Republican Party

Des Moines Register

• “You’re asking a guy who was a registered independent first,” — Rob Sand, democratic governor

The Guardian