In one of the most hotly contested governor's races in the country, the Democratic nominee has been working overtime to cultivate a moderate image — while reportedly attending a church that openly embraces some of the progressive causes dividing voters in Iowa.Rob Sand, Iowa’s state auditor and its Democratic nominee for governor, regularly attended Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, located in the state’s capital, as of late 2025, according to a local journalist.Over the years, Plymouth has hosted and promoted drag queen performances, invited a transgender pastor to serve as a guest pastor and openly supported abortion.Sand has emphasized his faith on the campaign trail, repeatedly referencing Christianity and quoting scripture, at times successfully appealing to otherwise conservative Iowans.
In addition to leaning on his faith, Sand has repeatedly described himself as independently minded, claimed to have voted for Republicans in the past and said that he sometimes prefers working with the GOP over Democrats, calling political parties "poison.""I am a Christian.I’m a conservative.
But I’m not a party-based person," one voter is quoted as saying in a Sand press release."I like to vote for the person as opposed to the party.
And to me, (Sand) just seems really honest and down to earth.And I enjoyed him."IOWA GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL ZACH LAHN TELLS 'RUTHLESS' DEMOCRATS ARE HIDING THEIR BAD POLICIESGubernatorial candidate Rob Sand speaks to voters during a campaign visit to the Carroll County Conservation Classroom on Aug.
20, 2026 in Carroll, Iowa.(Leon Neal/Getty Images)Sand's reported church attendance, however, connects him to a congregation whose progressive religious and political positions stand in contrast to the moderate image he has emphasized on the campaign trail.Sand’s church is open about its progressive slant, with its "about" page featuring an image of churchgoers at a gay pride parade, noting that the church does not take...