The announcement sets up a potential primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds
A former one-term Republican state lawmaker formally announced plans on Monday to run for Iowa governor, setting up a potential primary challenge to incumbent Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Reynolds, who has been governor since 2017 when she succeeded former Gov. Terry Branstad after he was named U.S. ambassador to China during Trump’s first term, has not yet said publicly whether she plans to run for re-election in 2026.
A representative with Reynolds’ campaign declined to comment on the governor’s plans and Sherman’s declared candidacy to seek the Republican gubernatorial nomination.
Brad Sherman, a pastor from Williamsburg and early endorser of Republican President Donald Trump’s campaign ahead of the 2024 Iowa GOP caucuses, said in a news release his campaign “will focus on a platform of defending Iowans’ rights against eminent domain abuse, encouraging fiscal responsibility, promoting family values, and returning government to the foundational principles that made America great.”
Sherman served one term in the Iowa House, representing House District 91, which includes Tiffin, Swisher, Oxford and all of Iowa County. He did not seek re-election last year due to the sudden and unexpected death of his daughter in June 2023. Sherman recruited Republican Judd Lawler of Oxford to run for the seat and endorsed his successful campaign.
Sherman’s website also highlights “medical freedom” as a key issue of his campaign, along with mental health, human trafficking and education.
Feb. 17, 2025 3:44 pm, Updated: Feb. 24, 2025 10:44 a
