Julie Stauch, Pete Buttigieg's 2020 Iowa political director, launches bid for governor

DES MOINES, Iowa —

A new candidate is entering the race to become Iowa's governor. KCCI Julie Stauch announced her candidacy Tuesday for the 2026 race as a Democrat. Stauch launched her candidacy by providing a cover letter and resume, saying she is "applying for the job of Governor of Iowa."

Stauch has worked and volunteered for dozens of races ranging from presidential campaigns to city council elections. She has also worked in various leadership roles with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, most recently as chief public affairs officer from 2008-2011.

She currently runs Julie Stauch & Associates, which "provides leadership services and organizational development to a variety of clients including non-profit organizations, candidates and elected officials."

Stauch worked as South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Iowa political director in 2020. She also managed Michael Franken's campaign for U.S. Senate in 2022 and has worked on a number of state senate and state house races in Iowa.

Stauch will have to earn more Democrat support than Iowa Auditor Rob Sand, who has also announced his bid for 2026. On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-4) and Iowa Sen. Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny) launched exploratory committees last month.