A faith leader supports Rob Sand

I’ve known Rob Sand for years. Our friendship wasn’t built on politics, but on shared values — a belief that public service should be about people, not power or political games. That’s why this summer I invited Rob to hold his Black Hawk County town hall stop at my church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Waterloo. I wanted our community to hear from someone whose faith guides his public service and whose understanding of leadership is rooted in right versus wrong, not right versus left.

Rob’s faith isn’t something he keeps private or reserved for Sunday mornings. It shapes how he sees the world, how he treats people, and how he approaches politics and his vision for what public service is — or should be.

Rob demonstrated those values every day as Iowa’s chief public corruption prosecutor, protecting our communities by working with law enforcement to put away scammers, thieves, and violent criminals. He’s done the same as State Auditor, fighting against waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Now, he’s taking that fight to the governor’s office to get to work solving some of our toughest problems that have gone ignored after a decade of one-party control.

On the campaign trail, Rob often cites important scripture to him — like the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” If there is one thing Iowa needs right now, it is more peacemakers.

He talks of the story of Jesus flipping the tables of the moneychangers — a reminder that there are moments when our faith requires confrontation. Jesus preached love and grace, but when those in power abused their position, He acted. Our state is in desperate need of more public servants, more table flippers, and less politics as usual.

Anyone who’s attended his town halls over the past eight years can see it for themselves. In a time of division, Rob makes it a point to listen, respect every voice, and build bridges. That’s how he will address the real needs of our communities as governor — not with partisanship, but with a commitment to all Iowans. That’s why Iowans from across the state, faiths, and the political spectrum trust and support him.

Over the past 10 years, Iowa has plummeted under the current leadership of Gov. Kim Reynolds. Too many families are struggling and too many communities feel unheard. Decisions made at the top have left everyday Iowans paying the price. It’s time to move our state in a better direction — and the only way that can be done is under the leadership of Rob Sand.

I have no doubt that Rob is ready to lead Iowa out of the darkness. He has shown himself to be both morally grounded and welcome to those who might disagree with him. He understands the weight of the office he seeks, and I am confident he will govern with the same honesty, integrity, and care that have defined his life of service.

My faith tells me that leadership matters. My experience tells me that character counts. And my hope tells me that Iowa’s best days are still ahead. That’s why I’m supporting Rob Sand to be our next governor.

Now, let’s help Rob Sand flip some tables in Des Moines in 2026!

Rev. Dr. Frantz Whitfield lives in Waterloo.