Iowa’s cancer rate is the fastest-rising in the nation—Rob Sand says his plan would do something about it.
Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand rolled out a sweeping health policy platform Thursday, taking aim at the state’s worsening cancer rates, pesticide industry immunity, and a decade of Medicaid privatization that he says has harmed Iowans.
The plan, called “A Healthier Iowa for All,” comes as Iowa holds the second-highest and fastest-rising cancer rate in the nation, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry. Only six states have rising cancer incidence rates and Iowa’s is climbing at the fastest rate.
“Cancer doesn’t care who you vote for, doesn’t care what your politics are, doesn’t care where you live. Taking actionable steps to address this crisis should be a top priority for every elected official in the state, regardless of party,” Iowa’s only statewide Democrat said in a video launching the agenda.
A centerpiece of Sand’s proposal is his pledge to oppose legislation that would shield pesticide companies from health-related lawsuits. The Iowa Senate passed such a bill last year, pushed by Bayer—the maker of Roundup herbicide—which has paid out roughly $11 billion in damages to individuals who developed non-Hodgkin lymphoma after glyphosate exposure. A March 2026 Food & Water Watch report found that 82% of Iowa’s highest-spray counties have elevated non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates.
“Legislators are trying to pass a bill that would give immunity to some companies that are poisoning our water and air and making Iowans sick,” Sand said. “That’s wrong.”
Sand also highlighted that a foundational industry study previously cited to argue that glyphosate poses no human health risk was recently retracted by the scientific journal that published it—a fact he said Iowans deserve to know as lawmakers consider immunity legislation. The US Supreme Court is currently weighing a case that could further limit future litigation against Bayer.
On healthcare access, Sand committed to beginning the reversal of Iowa’s Medicaid privatization on his “first day” in office. Iowa moved most Medicaid services to private insurers in 2016. Sand’s plan notes that illegal denial of coverage claims have increased 900% since privatization.
The plan also calls for a cabinet-level cancer task force, expanded radon testing, transparent manure management records, and additional investments in digester technology, which breaks down organic waste like manure, food scraps, and agricultural byproducts to produce renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Some other highlights from the plan include:
- Dirty water notifications – Sand wants a real-time alert system that sends out texts, robocalls, and even press releases when nitrate levels in drinking water exceed federal limits or E. coli contamination makes swimming areas unsafe.
- Tanning bed restrictions – Iowa is one of only six states with no laws restricting minors’ use of commercial tanning beds, and the Iowa Cancer Registry links that gap to the state’s rising melanoma rate. Sand would change that.
- Pharmacy benefit manager reforms – Sand wants to crack down on PBMs that force patients to use pharmacies owned by the network.
The full plan is available on the campaign’s website.
