Three Candidates to Participate in Iowa PBS GOP Gubernatorial Debate

The debate will be broadcast live on April 28 and feature three of the five Republican candidates.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:30pm

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An abstract, fractured painting in shades of blue, green, and orange, depicting the shapes of a podium, microphone, and Iowa state flag, conveying the energy and tension of a political debate.The upcoming Iowa PBS GOP gubernatorial debate will feature a dynamic clash of ideas and policy visions from the leading Republican candidates.Des Moines Today

Iowa PBS will host a debate for candidates in the Republican primary for governor on April 28 at 7 p.m. The debate will be moderated by a panel from Radio Iowa, the Gazette, and the Des Moines Register, and will feature three of the five Republican candidates who have filed to run: Rep. Eddie Andrews, former Rep. Brad Sherman, and former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen. Notably absent from the debate are District 4 U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and Zach Lahn, an Iowa farmer, businessman, and political operative.

Why it matters

The Iowa gubernatorial race is a key contest that will shape the state's political landscape for the next four years. This debate provides an important opportunity for voters to hear directly from the leading Republican candidates and assess their policy positions and vision for Iowa.

The details

The debate will be broadcast live statewide on Iowa PBS and streamed online. Candidates will answer questions from the moderator panel and discuss their priorities, concerns, and plans if elected. Current Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand is the only Democrat left in the race for the party's gubernatorial nomination.

  • The debate is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • Iowa's 2026 Primaries are scheduled for June 2.

The players

Rep. Eddie Andrews

One of the three Republican candidates scheduled to participate in the debate.

Former Rep. Brad Sherman

One of the three Republican candidates scheduled to participate in the debate.

Former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen

One of the three Republican candidates scheduled to participate in the debate.

District 4 U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra

One of the two Republican candidates who filed to run but is not scheduled to participate in the debate.

Zach Lahn

An Iowa farmer, businessman, and political operative who filed to run for the Republican nomination but is not scheduled to participate in the debate.

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What’s next

The debate will be streamed live on Iowa PBS' website and YouTube channel, and will be available through various streaming platforms. Voters can tune in to hear the candidates discuss their policy priorities and vision for the state.

The takeaway

This debate provides an important opportunity for Iowa voters to hear directly from the leading Republican candidates for governor and assess their qualifications and plans for the state. The absence of two candidates from the debate raises questions about the dynamics of the primary race.