DES MOINES, Iowa —

A new candidate is entering the race to become Iowa's governor.

Julie Stauch announced her candidacy Tuesday for the 2026 race as a Democrat. She launched her campaign by submitting a cover letter and resume, saying she is "applying for the job of Governor of Iowa."

Stauch has worked and volunteered for two dozen races—from city council to presidential campaigns. She served as South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg's Iowa political director ahead of the 2020 caucuses and managed Democrat Michael Franken's 2022 U.S. Senate campaign.

She's also held leadership roles with Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, most recently as chief public affairs officer from 2008 to 2011. She currently runs Julie Stauch & Associates, which offers leadership and organizational development servi

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