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Gov. Kim Reynolds’ decision not to run for reelection in 2026 sets the stage for a wide-open governor's race for both parties that could reshape Iowa’s political landscape.For former Gov. Tom Vilsack, the moment feels familiar.“With Gov. Reynolds making the decision not to run, that’s also a similarity with 1998," Vilsack said during an interview with ����vlog. "Gov. Branstad made the decision at that time not to run. It was an open seat, and Iowa, surprisingly, chose me.”Vilsack’s victory in 1998 made him the first Democrat to lead Iowa in more than 30 years. Now, some Iowa Democrats see parallels in the political landscape ahead of 2026, as the state emerges from another long stretch of Republican control.Vilsack said he believes Iowans are looking for leadership that brings people together.“I think there is a genuine desire on the part of Iowans to feel united in common cause,” he said. “Not necessarily to be pitted against each other, not necessarily to be in a situation where it's us and them. I think Iowans are anxious for us to be going in the same direction.”Looking ahead, Vilsack encouraged future candidates to focus on revitalizing rural communities. He said, despite discouragement from his advisors and pollsters at the time, he campaigned on turning Iowa into the 'food capital' of the world. Nearly three decades later, he said Iowa voters are still looking for a candidate who can clearly explain how they would move the state forward.“I wanted people to understand that I had a vision of how we could improve the state, how we could take it to a different place — a place where we could take pride in what we do in Iowa, because we were impacting and affecting the entire world. I think we're in that same circumstance today," Vilsack said.WATCH: Tom Vilsack warns of what tariffs will mean for IowaHe added that "focusing on helping create multiple options for small and mid-sized farming operations to revitalize rural small communities is something, frankly, that all Iowans could potentially get united behind."The former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and current CEO of the World Food Prize also advocated for preserving small and mid-sized farming operations during a forum hosted by the Iowa Democratic Party Tuesday in Indianola.Speaking to party leaders and community members, Vilsack said creating new revenue streams for small and mid-sized farming operations would help preserve rural America, address economic disparities, and create a more sustainable agricultural system that benefits farmers, rural communities, and the nation.He emphasized the importance of a new approach to farming policy — one that balances production with profitability, sustainability, and rural development.Vilsack framed the effort as a vision for empowering farms to "work harder," not farmers, and for fostering a resilient rural economy that remains vital to the country’s food supply, environment, and security.Looking ahead to 2026, Vilsack said he believes candidates who articulate a clear and unifying vision for Iowa’s future — particularly one that addresses rural revitalization — may find voters ready to listen.“I think Iowans are thirsty for someone to basically say, 'Here's where the state is, here's where it needs to go — and here's how, if you vote for me or support me, I’m going to take you there.”WATCH: Former Gov. Terry Branstad reflects on Gov. Kim Reynolds' accomplishments'We've always been proud': Clarke County reacts to Kim Reynolds not seeking reelectionFull video: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces that she won't seek reelection in 2026