States Iowa Governor
Governor
Governor, Iowa
November 3, 2026 · 12 statements · 2026.09.30-bae739b1
Statements and positions
Agree Disagree No clear position Select a position to see the evidence behind it.
Zach Lahn Republican Rob Sand Democratic
State statements
Taxes No. 01/12
Iowa should eliminate its state income tax.
Background Iowa moved to a single flat income tax rate of 3.8 percent in 2025. Eliminating the tax would remove the state's largest revenue source, requiring spending cuts or other revenue to replace it.
I think income tax would be the lowest hanging fruit to be able to eliminate for the people of Iowa.
Interview or debate · Apr 3, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
iowapbs.org
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.65)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
They have done what I would call a 'fiscal time bomb.' They lit the fuse by passing a bunch of tax cuts that sound great.
Press quote · Sep 10, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
radioiowa.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Taxes No. 02/12
Iowa should end the sales tax exemption for equipment bought for data centers.
Background Iowa exempts servers and other data center equipment from its sales tax to attract large tech facilities. Ending the exemption would raise state revenue and increase costs for data center projects.
So what I called for is to cut the gas tax by 50% and make up for those funds by stopping the tax breaks we're giving to data centers right now.
Press quote · Sep 15, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
thegazette.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We shouldn't be handing out more tax breaks for major corporations at the expense of Iowa taxpayers.
Press quote · Aug 4, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
thegazette.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Economy No. 03/12
Iowa should set a state minimum wage higher than $7.25 an hour.
Background Iowa's minimum wage matches the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, and a 2017 state law bars counties from setting higher wages. A higher state minimum would apply to most employers across Iowa.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
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Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
The minimum wage in Iowa now is $7.25 an hour, 26 years after I had that job. Time for it to go up.
Press quote · Aug 12, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
thegazette.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Health care No. 04/12
Iowa should end the use of private insurance companies to manage its Medicaid program.
Background Since 2016, Iowa has paid private managed-care companies to run most of its Medicaid program. Ending this would return management to the state Department of Health and Human Services.
I don't think the government would do a good job of delivering healthcare for the people of Iowa. I think that the private sector can do a great job delivering this, but the government has to hold them accountable.
Press quote · Aug 3, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
timesrepublican.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
It (won't) happen overnight. It was a more than a yearlong process to privatize it, but I want to get it done. I want to start it on Day 1.
Press quote · May 19, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
thegazette.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 05/12
Iowa should limit its private school education savings accounts to lower- and middle-income families.
Background Since the 2025-26 school year, every Iowa student can receive a state-funded education savings account of about $7,800 for private school costs, regardless of income. Income limits would reduce the number of eligible families and the program's cost.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
If this is supposed to be about promoting school choice for students, then put income caps on it so all the people who are already paying for their own kids' private school tuition can continue to pay for it with the money they have.
Press quote · Aug 25, 2025 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
thegazette.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 06/12
Iowa should bar immigrants living in the country illegally from receiving any state-funded benefits.
Background Immigrants without legal status are already ineligible for most federal and state public benefits, but some state-funded services, such as certain health and education programs, are available regardless of status. A full bar would close the remaining state-funded services to them.
No Benefits for Illegal Immigrants: We will ban benefits for illegal immigrants
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
zachlahn.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Public safety No. 07/12
Iowa should legalize recreational marijuana for adults.
Background Iowa allows only a limited medical cannabis program, and recreational use is a crime. Legalization would let adults buy and possess marijuana under state rules, with sales that could be taxed.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
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Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
I'm announcing my plan to legalize, tax, and regulate adult-use cannabis — so we can keep those dollars in Iowa, support our farmers, and start getting our budget back on track.
Press quote · Apr 20, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
thegazette.com No archived copy yet
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Education No. 08/12
Iowa should fund free all-day prekindergarten for every four-year-old.
Background Iowa funds voluntary part-day preschool for four-year-olds in most districts. All-day programs for every child would expand access, with higher state costs.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
For every dollar you invest, you save $17 later on because when you're able to start school that early, kids are less likely to commit crime (and) less likely to end up on state assistance, so that's a good investment for taxpayers.
Press quote · Sep 1, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
radioiowa.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Democracy and elections No. 09/12
Iowa should replace party primaries with one open primary where the top four candidates advance.
Background Iowa parties pick nominees in separate primaries, and the winners meet in November. A top-four system would let all voters use one primary ballot, with four finalists of any party advancing.
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
I don't think that the Democratic and Republican party solve enough problems to have a monopoly on our choices. What I have proposed would give independent voters an equal voice...
Press quote · Apr 2, 2026 · retrieved Sep 24, 2026
cbs2iowa.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.60)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Housing No. 10/12
Iowa should ban large investment firms from buying single-family homes.
Background Large investment firms have bought single-family homes in some Iowa cities to rent out. A ban would bar those purchases to leave more homes for individual buyers.
banning Wall Street hedge-funds from buying single family homes will help make life affordable for Iowa families.
Campaign or official site · Sep 29, 2026 · retrieved Sep 30, 2026
zachlahn.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence High (0.80)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Foreign policy No. 11/12
Iowa should force the sale of farmland owned by companies tied to foreign adversary governments.
Background Iowa already restricts foreign ownership of farmland and requires foreign owners to register. Forcing sales would make current owners linked to adversary governments sell their land.
Confiscate any land illegally owned by China and sell that land back to young families and veterans
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
zachlahn.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
Immigration No. 12/12
Iowa should bar state agencies or universities from hiring workers on H-1B visas.
Background State agencies and universities in Iowa can sponsor skilled foreign workers on federal H-1B visas, often for research or medical jobs. A ban would limit those hires to U.S. citizens or other authorized workers.
stop issuing H1B visas for jobs that Iowans can do in state government and in our universities
Campaign or official site · Sep 28, 2026 · retrieved Sep 28, 2026
zachlahn.com
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Confidence Medium (0.75)
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Zach Lahn's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked
We found no public vote or statement that answers this. It is not counted.
Verification Quote found on the cited page by an independent check.
Review Verified AI research, accepted by the VoteVera editor on Sep 30, 2026.
Know a source? Challenge with evidence.
Accepted sources
A challenge counts in full when its evidence link comes from:
Rob Sand's verified accounts and sites.
Official government sites (the list is on each finding's page and in the methodology).
Archived snapshots of any of these pages (web.archive.org).
Any other link is still posted, under Unverified evidence. How evidence is checked