Iowa State Auditor, Rob Sand, has been considering a run for higher office and has narrowed down which seats are still in his sights. Prior to his election in 2018, Sand served as a prosecutor with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. Last month, Sand did not rule out the possibility of launching a campaign for U.S. Senate or governor. However, Sand said during a town hall meeting in Carroll today (Thursday) that he wants to keep his focus and family in Iowa.
He defeated Republican incumbent, Mary Mosiman, by promising to “wake up the watch dog” for taxpayers and improve government efficiency. In his first term in office as State Auditor, Sand introduced the Public Innovation and Efficiency (PIE) program, which helps city councils, county supervisors and other elected officials identify wasteful practices. Sand says he is passionate about rooting out all forms of improper spending, regardless of where it originates.
He is proud of what his office has achieved in such a short time but believes there is still work for him yet as State Auditor. Only a few Democrats, including Sand and current U.S. Congresswoman, Cindy Axne, have expressed interest in challenging Republican Governor, Kim Reynolds, during the 2022 mid-term elections. Sand has been critical of Reynolds’ handling of the coronavirus pandemic, such as how the Test Iowa contract was completed and her decision to decline $95 million in COVID-relief funds from the federal government for coronavirus testing in schools. According to Sand, he will continue to weigh the pros and cons of a gubernatorial campaign but does not know when he will make a final determination.
