Rob Sand unveils water quality, public health plan

DES MOINES — Iowa state auditor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand on Thursday unveiled a new water quality and public health proposal aimed at addressing the state's rising cancer rates, improving water quality, expanding access to health care and lowering costs for Iowans.

A central component of the proposal targets agricultural practices tied to water quality. Sand is calling for a state income tax credit to help farmers adopt conservation measures, along with a property tax credit for farms that implement approved nutrient management plans. The plan also emphasizes stricter manure management practices and increased investment in water monitoring and wetlands restoration.

Sand's proposal includes creating a statewide "dirty water" notification system, expanding radon testing, and establishing a Cabinet-level task force to address cancer rates. It also calls for denying legal immunity to chemical companies linked to environmental contamination.

"These common sense proposals can help," Sand said in a statement.

On healthcare, the plan proposes reversing Iowa's Medicaid privatization, expanding telehealth services and addressing prescription drug costs by cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. PBMs are intermediaries that negotiate drug prices between insurers, pharmacies and manufacturers. Critics argue their pricing practices and rebate structures can contribute to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients.

Sand, of Decorah, is the only Democrat running in the open-seat contest. Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has held office since 2017, is not seeking re-election.

Five Republicans are seeking their party's nomination: Randy Feenstra, a congressman from Hull; Zach Lahn, a business owner from Belle Plaine; Adam Steen of Runnells; Eddie Andrews of Johnston; and Brad Sherman of Williamsburg.

National election forecasters rate the race as competitive. The Cook Political Report lists the contest as a toss-up, while Sabato's Crystal Ball and Inside Elections categorize it as leaning Republican.

Iowa's primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the general election set for Nov. 3.

Health Freedom Advocacy Center backs Jim Carlin in U.S. Senate race

The Health Freedom Advocacy Center announced it is endorsing Jim Carlin in Iowa's 2026 U.S. Senate race.

The national organization, which advocates for informed consent, parental rights and individual liberty in healthcare decisions, cited Carlin's record as a former state senator and attorney opposing government mandates and supporting personal health choice.

"This endorsement reflects a continued commitment to medical freedom," the group said, noting Carlin was previously recognized by Informed Choice Iowa with its Erica Sarver Defender of Truth Award in 2021.

Carlin, of Sioux City, said he would continue to push for policies that prioritize individual decision-making in healthcare.

"Health freedom and medical freedom are essential to liberty, and I will continue to advocate for policies that put families and individuals — not Washington bureaucrats — in control of their health care choices," he said in a statement.

Carlin is seeking the Republican nomination in an open-seat race after Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's decision not to seek re-election. He faces presumed front-runner U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Marion in the GOP primary.

On the Democratic side, state Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville and state Rep. Josh Turek of Council Bluffs are competing for their party's nomination.