Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand has stated he would not seek campaign assistance from former President Joe Biden or former Vice President Kamala Harris, expressing a desire for new leadership.
When asked by Politico's Jonathan Martin if he would want Biden to campaign for him, Sand responded, "No. Can he even do that right now? I'm sorry." When questioned about Harris, Sand also declined, stating, "No thanks. Let's move on. We need some new leadership."
Sand's comments come as he faces Zach Lahn, the Republican candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in the 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race. Current Republican Governor Kim Reynolds has announced she will not seek re-election.
Sand, who currently serves as Iowa State Auditor, has previously clarified his moderate policy stances, distinguishing himself from Democratic socialism and explaining his decision to run as a Democrat within the current two-party system.
In April, when asked by Al Sharpton if she would run for president in 2028, Harris responded, "I might" and noted she was "thinking about it."
Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in 2024, withdrew his re-election bid following a debate performance and endorsed Harris. She subsequently lost the general election to then-former President Donald Trump.