Overview of the 2018 Iowa Gubernatorial Election
The 2018 Iowa governor election was held on November 6, 2018, as part of the statewide general election. Incumbent governor Terry Branstad, who had served two prior terms, did not seek reelection in 2018, making this an open-seat contest. Polls and candidate filings indicate a multi candidate field, with major party nominees and several independents or third party candidates on the ballot. The winner would serve a four year term starting in January 2019. This profile summarizes verified candidate information, party affiliations, and ballot placement related to Iowa governor candidates 2018.
Major Party Nominees and Ballot Status
In Iowa, major party candidates for governor run in primary elections in June and advance to the general election in November. For 2018, the Democratic and Republican parties each nominated a ticket. Third party and independent candidates submitted petitions to qualify for the ballot, with varying success depending on county deadlines. The table below captures the most widely reported candidate ticket details, party affiliation, and their presence on the November 6 general ballot as confirmed by the Iowa Secretary of State’s records.
Candidate Ticket Summary
| Candidate (Governor) | Running Mate | Party | Ballot Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Hubbell | Amy Moore | Democratic (DFL) | On November ballot | Former acting director of Iowa Finance Authority; focused on economic development and health care. |
| Kim Reynolds | Adam Gregg | Republican | On November ballot | Incumbent lieutenant governor who assumed governorship in 2017; emphasized public safety and rural economy. |
| Jake Porter | Brian Jacobs | Libertarian | Verified write in; limited general ballot access | Party nominee with advocacy on limited government and regulatory reform. |
| Gary Siegwarth | Rick Stewart | Green | Did not appear on general ballot | Filed as third party; emphasized environmental and social justice issues. |
| Tim Gartrell | Danny Carroll | Independent | Did not appear on general ballot | Ran as independent with public financing and small donor platforms. |
General Election Outcome
Official results from the 2018 Iowa governor election, as canvassed by the Iowa Secretary of State, show Kim Reynolds defeating Fred Hubbell. Reynolds secured a majority of the vote in the two party contest, retaining the office for a full four year term. Hubbell conceded several days after the election. Third party and independent candidates did not win any electoral votes but provided alternative policy perspectives on taxation, agriculture, public safety, and health care access. The outcome reflected a competitive race in a historically competitive midwestern state.
Key Issues and Policy Themes
Candidates for Iowa governor in 2018 emphasized several recurring themes. Economic development and support for rural communities were central, reflecting Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing mix. Health care access, including coverage expansion and hospital sustainability, was a frequent topic. Public safety and budgeting for state agencies also featured in forums and debates. While policy specifics varied by candidate, debates often addressed how to balance state revenue, infrastructure investment, and education funding. These issues remain relevant for long term planning and governance in Iowa.
Ballot Access and Filing Deadlines
Ballot access for independent and third party candidates in Iowa requires meeting petition and filing requirements by designated deadlines. For the 2018 general election, major parties qualified through primary nomination, while third parties and independents submitted candidate petitions by the state filing window. The availability of each candidate on county ballots depended on these submissions and verification by county auditors. Understanding these procedures helps contextualistoric access rules for non major parties in Iowa elections.
Context and Historical Comparison
Iowa’s 2018 gubernatorial race occurred in an open seat year, following a long incumbent tenure. Compared with recent cycles, the field included both established party nominees and third party challengers. Turnout and competitive dynamics reflected national trends in Midwest states, with rural and suburban counties showing distinct patterns. This open seat environment typically encourages higher candidate visibility and broader policy discussion, shaping how voters evaluate platforms on economy, agriculture, and public services.