DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) – Brad Sherman made official what had been discussed for months: he is running in the Republican primary for governor of Iowa in 2026. That could put him up against Kim Reynolds, the Republican who has been governor since 2017.

Sherman announced in a campaign email that he would run for governor.

Sherman is a pastor from Williamsburg and one-term former state representative. Here is how he said that the skills on which he relies as a pastor could help him as a governor.

Governor Kim Reynolds hasn’t yet announced her re-election campaign. She did hint at her plans, though.

But if she runs, she brings statewide awareness and a substantial early campaign fundraising advantage to the 2026 primary race.

Here is how Sherman said that he would try to compete against her.