Rob Sand, the Democratic nominee for governor in Iowa, has openly stated that Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, should not run for president again. In an interview with Politico, Sand responded bluntly, “No,” when asked if Harris should seek another presidential bid.

Sand, who aims to flip Iowa back to Democratic control, also expressed that he would prefer neither Harris nor former president Joe Biden to campaign for him in the state. He highlighted the importance of winning over independent and Republican voters in Iowa for the upcoming November election, questioning Biden's current ability to campaign effectively.

When asked specifically about Harris campaigning for him, Sand said, “No thanks.” This stance contrasts with the usual reluctance of national Democrats to comment on Harris’s potential 2028 presidential run, with many stating it is her decision or that it is too early to discuss.

Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to Donald Trump, has not confirmed whether she will run again, stating only that she has “not made a decision.”

In a related development, Mary Peltola, a Democrat running for a U.S. Senate seat in Alaska, rejected unsolicited support from Harris after Harris sent a fundraising email on Peltola’s behalf. Peltola’s campaign emphasized that she is focused solely on Alaska and is not seeking endorsements from outside the state.

Sand explained that as Iowa’s state auditor and gubernatorial candidate, his focus remains on state issues and differentiating himself from his Republican opponent, Zach Lahn.

Sources