Julie Stauch, Pete Buttigieg's 2020 Iowa political director, launches bid for governor
A new candidate is entering the race to become Iowa's governor.
Julie Stauch announced her candidacy Tuesday for the 2026 race as a Democrat. She launched her campaign by submitting a cover letter and resume, saying she is "applying for the job of Governor of Iowa."
Stauch has worked and volunteered for two dozen races—from city council to presidential campaigns. She served as South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Iowa political director ahead of the 2020 caucuses and managed Democrat Michael Franken's 2022 U.S. Senate campaign.
She's also held leadership roles with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, most recently as chief public affairs officer from 2008 to 2011. She currently runs Julie Stauch & Associates, which offers leadership and organizational development services to nonprofits, candidates, and elected officials.
While this is her first time running for office, Stauch said she is leaning on her campaign background. She also said she's not starting with a set platform—instead, her campaign will begin with small-group conversations across the state to hear directly from Iowans.
She described her approach as a "first job interview," telling voters she’s applying for the role of governor and wants to learn what matters most to them.
"The whole campaign is focused on how do we build trust with Iowans? Because they don't trust anybody right now," she said.
Stauch joins a Democratic primary that includes State Auditor Rob Sand and Ames resident Sondra Wilson. Sand, currently the only statewide elected Democrat in Iowa, brings name recognition and a large fundraising lead. But Stauch said she’s not focused on matching that number.
"I don't have to overcome the amount of money he has. I have to use my money smarter, and I think I've got a good plan for that," Stauch said.
vlog Political Analyst Dennis Goldford said while Stauch may be familiar to political insiders, she still needs to build name recognition with voters statewide.
"You have someone who may be known within Democratic circles, although I'd be surprised if widely known. She certainly would have to expand that familiarity base," Goldford said.
He added that a primary can sharpen a candidate's skills and message—but it also carries risks.
"It gives you a chance to develop your message, hone your skills, and come out a stronger candidate," he said. "The danger is that if it gets nasty, you may irritate, annoy, turn off prospective supporters whose vote you will need in the general election."
On the Republican side, former state representative and eastern Iowa pastor Brad Sherman is officially in the race. Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-4) and Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny) launched exploratory committees last month.
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