Rob Sand, Iowa’s state auditor and Democratic nominee for governor, has described himself as a Christian and an independent-minded candidate. A Fox News report published Oct. 12, 2026, says a local journalist reported that Sand regularly attended Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines as of late 2025.
The congregation has publicly identified as LGBTQ-affirming and supported abortion rights. The report cites church materials and social-media posts describing events and advocacy, including a 2025 drag performance, a 2023 guest appearance by transgender pastor Paula Stone Williams, and protests opposing abortion restrictions. It also reports that the church offers Our Whole Lives, a sexuality-education curriculum for children and adults.
Sand’s campaign told Fox News that his faith is important to him, that he prefers traditional services, and that he has not found a church where he agrees with everything. The campaign also criticized Lahn over his business background and travel between Iowa and Kansas. Lahn has said he lives full time in Iowa and travels to transport children from a previous marriage, according to the report.
Lahn’s campaign criticized Sand’s reported church connection, arguing that the church’s positions conflict with Iowa values. The article presents claims from both campaigns and relies in part on church materials, social-media posts and a local journalist’s account. It does not establish that Sand personally endorses the church’s activities or positions.
