Meet Dave Muhlbauer, Rob Sand's running mate in Iowa governor race

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand announced Dave Muhlbauer, a Crawford County Supervisor and rural farmer, as his running mate in Iowa’s upcoming governor race. Muhlbauer, who has served on the county board for eight years, emphasized his commitment to representing rural voices and addressing concerns about government corruption and special interests. Muhlbauer, 42, is a fifth-generation farmer in Manilla, Iowa, where his family operates a corn, soybean, and alfalfa farm alongside cattle, hogs, and horses. He described farming as a lifelong passion but also highlighted the challenges of a struggling agricultural economy. His experience includes previous political service, including a 2022 U.S. Senate campaign against Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, which he suspended following a family tragedy. Sand, who won his primary unopposed, framed Muhlbauer’s addition as strengthening the ticket’s rural appeal, particularly in western Iowa. The campaign centers on bipartisan governance, government transparency, and reversing one-party dominance. Muhlbauer’s background aligns with Sand’s focus on practical solutions and bridging party divides. Muhlbauer’s family has a history of Democratic political involvement, with his father and grandfather also serving in local and state government. He stressed the need for collaboration across party lines, stating, ‘It’s not about one side versus the other. It’s about working across the aisle for commonsense solutions.’ The partnership aims to address Iowa’s voter registration challenges, where Sand faces an uphill battle. Muhlbauer’s rural roots and farming expertise are expected to bolster the campaign’s outreach to agricultural communities, a key demographic in the state’s politics.