‘Our democracy is run by two private clubs’: can a pro-hunting Democrat lead a blue wave in Iowa?

As Trump’s approval ratings dip and gas prices rise, Democrats see an opening with Rob Sand Rob Sand, the best-known Democrat in Iowa, appears on podcasts to discuss his love of hunting, begins rallies by having the audience sing America the Beautiful and has a tendency to criticize the country’s two-party political system. Now, Sand is running to lead a state that Republicans have come to dominate under Donald Trump, and Democrats believe his candidacy for governor could be the breakthrough needed to win key Iowa offices in the November midterm elections. Continue reading...

Chris Stein in Iowa City, Iowa · Mon, Jun 1, 2026, 3:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

‘Our democracy is run by two private clubs’: can a pro-hunting Democrat lead a blue wave in Iowa?

As Trump’s approval ratings dip and gas prices rise, Democrats see an opening with Rob Sand

Rob Sand, the best-known Democrat in Iowa, appears on podcasts to discuss his love of hunting, begins rallies by having the audience sing America the Beautiful and has a tendency to criticize the country’s two-party political system.

Now, Sand is running to lead a state that Republicans have come to dominate under Donald Trump, and Democrats believe his candidacy for governor could be the breakthrough needed to win key Iowa offices in the November midterm elections.

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