So-Called Moderate Governor Candidate Wants More Trans Books in Elementary Schools
Rob Sand, the Iowa Democratic nominee for governor, expressed his opposition to efforts aimed at restricting books about homosexuality and transgenderism intended for children. During an interview with social media influencer Kailee Coleman, Sand pledged to veto any future “culture war” bills related to book bans, emphasizing that his focus is on issues affecting all Iowans. He also highlighted his commitment to protecting transgender and nonbinary residents, stating he would work with a Republican legislature and veto discriminatory bills. Despite branding himself as a moderate and Christian, Sand has faced criticism for his positions on issues like school choice, preschool programs, and election reform. Meanwhile, his Republican opponent, Zach Lahn, supports school choice initiatives and aims to make Iowa a leader in education.
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand said he would oppose efforts to restrict books about homosexuality and transgenderism geared toward children.
Kailee Coleman, a social media influencer, said in an interview with Sand — who currently serves as Iowa state auditor — that she is a “banned book children’s author” and asked if he would allow further “book bans” in the state.
“If they try to do any more book bans, I’m going to veto them. My pledge is that I’m going to veto culture war bills,” Sand responded.
“I think that’s one of them. I want the legislature to be focused on issues that impact 100 percent of Iowans.”
The interview with Coleman and Sand was originally posted on TikTok and d Thursday on X by Iowa First Media.
Coleman also asked Sand about the “changes” he would make as governor “to ensure our transgender and nonbinary neighbors feel safe and valued in Iowa.”
WATCH: Rob Sand states that he will be vetoing bills that ban books containing homosexuality and transgenderism targeting children.
“If they try to do any more book bans, I’m going to veto them. My pledge is that I’m going to veto culture war bills.”
SOURCE: Kailee Coleman… pic.twitter.com/7vFKSBE69e
— Iowa First Media (@IowaFirstMedia) September 25, 2026
“I think it’s important to recognize if I win this race, I’m going to be working with a Republican legislature. What that means is that any changes that are going to have to be made would have to be things that we can agree on,” he answered.
“But again, my pledge is I’m going to veto culture war bills. I think that relegalizing discrimination in housing and employment was wrong. I think that people shouldn’t be treated differently just because of who they are or how God made them.”
Sand added that transgenderism is “one of those issues where I doubt I’m going to find much agreement with the Republican legislature.”
“That means if they’re running bills like that, I’m going to veto them, and that’s my promise to everybody in this state.”
Sand has cast himself as a moderate and a Christian, but has been criticized for wanting to eliminate taxpayer-funded school choice, introduce universal preschool, and introduce a new election structure called “approval voting.”
He has indeed vowed to veto “stupid culture-war-Trump” bills passed by the Republican legislature if he is elected.
Zach Lahn, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, has meanwhile endorsed school choice policies such as the Education Freedom Tax Credit.
“I’m in. Great opportunity for Iowa families,” Lahn posted on social media.
“We will make Iowa #1 in the nation for education again.”
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