Gov. candidate Rob Sand says he'd consider an independent for Grassley's Senate seat

During Labor Day celebrations, Iowa gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand told reporters he would be willing to appoint an independent to Senator Chuck Grassley's seat if a vacancy arises before the term ends in 2029. Sand said he would seek input from a broad range of voices and remain open-minded about the choice, citing the roughly 35% of Iowa voters who are unaffiliated with either major party. He pointed out that state law gives the governor authority to name a replacement when a Senate seat becomes vacant while the chamber is in session or before the next general election.

Although Grassley, now 92, has not signaled any intention to step down, Sand highlighted the importance of appealing to independents in statewide races. The candidate has also been distancing himself from the Democratic Party's national leadership, rejecting a campaign appearance by former Vice President Kamala Harris and questioning her suitability for a 2028 presidential run. The governor's race, once a toss-up, now leans Democratic according to the Cook Political Report, with recent Emerson College polling showing Sand ahead 49% to 46% over Republican Zach Lahn.