The 2018 Iowa gubernatorial election will take place on November 6, 2018, to elect the Governor of Iowa. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, is expected to be the incumbent governor during this election, due to the probable resignation of incumbent Governor Terry Branstad.
Branstad said in 2015 that he was not likely to run for another term but did not definitively rule it out. After the 2016 presidential election, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Branstad to be the United States Ambassador to China. If he is confirmed by the United States Senate, he would have to resign as governor to assume that position. Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds would assume the governorship.
Ron Corbett, Mayor of Cedar Rapids
Steve King, U.S. Representative
Kim Reynolds, Lieutenant Governor
Terry Branstad, incumbent Governor, was a potential candidate until his nomination as Ambassador to China.
Bill Northey, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture
Bob Vander Plaats, president & CEO of The Family Leader, candidate for Governor in 2002 and 2010 and nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2006
Rich Leopold, Director of the Polk County Conservation Board and former Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Jon Neiderbach, attorney, former member of the Des Moines School Board and nominee for State Auditor in 2014
Bill Brauch, former Director of the Consumer Protection Division of the Iowa Attorney General's Office
Jeff Danielson, State Senator
Michael Gronstal, former Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate
Rita Hart, State Senator
Dave Loebsack, U.S. Representative
Andy McGuire, former Chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party and candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 2006
Jim Mowrer, nominee for IA-04 in 2014 and nominee for IA-03 in 2016
Tyler Olson, former State Representative, former Chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party and candidate for Governor in 2014
Janet Petersen, State Senator
Todd Prichard, State Representative
Steve Sodders, former State Senator
Chaz Allen, State Senator
Joe Bolkcom, State Senator
Rob Hogg, Minority Leader of the Iowa Senate and candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2016
Pam Jochum, State Senator
Liz Mathis, State Senator
Tom Vilsack, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor
Libertarian Party presidential nominee Gary Johnson received 3.8 percent of the votes in Iowa in 2016, surpassing the 2 percent threshold to attain full political party status. As a result, the Libertarian Party will be allowed to hold a primary to select a nominee.
Jake Porter, nominee for Secretary of State in 2010 and 2014
