Iowa Governor-Elect Rob Sand holds first news conference

Published: Nov. 9, 2026 at 10:29 AM CST|Updated: 9 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa State Capitol Bureau) — The transition is underway for Iowa Governor-Elect Rob Sand, the Des Moines Democrat and current state auditor who became the first nominee from his party to get elected to the state government’s top position in 20 years.

Monday afternoon, Sand held his first news conference since winning Tuesday’s election. Watch it in the video player above.

Transition team

Last week, Sand announced two leaders of his transition team:

Elisabeth Buck, a non-profit leader who has worked for former governors Tom Vilsack and Chet Culver.

Morgan Miller, who currently serves as political director of the Iowa State Education Association.

Sand’s transition team also launched a website with information for people looking to join the administration.

Sand said on Iowa PBS’ “Iowa Press” Friday that he may keep some state department leaders, while also pursuing some changes.

Sand previously told Gray Media Iowa’s State Capitol Bureau that he wants to expand remote work for state employees to allow new opportunities for people outside Des Moines.