Iowa Democratic governor candidate Rob Sand's church draws scrutiny for progressive stances on LGBTQ issues and abortion
Rob Sand, Iowa's Democratic nominee for governor and current state auditor, has regularly attended Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines. Plymouth has publicly described itself as a progressive congregation and has been an "LGBTQ+ Open and Affirming" church for more than 30 years. Sand has emphasized his Christian faith on the campaign trail while also describing himself as independently minded and willing to work across party lines.
Single source · Not corroborated
Rob Sand, Iowa's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, has built a campaign image around moderation, religious faith, and bipartisan appeal — at times quoting scripture and describing himself as willing to work with Republicans and critical of political parties. His Republican opponent in one of the country's closely watched governor's races is Zach Lahn, the GOP nominee.
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, which Sand has attended regularly as of late 2025 according to a local journalist cited by Fox News Digital, is open about its progressive identity. The church's website states it does not take the Bible literally, flies a pride flag on its grounds, and has been affirming of LGBTQ+ congregants for over three decades. A United Church of Christ profile describes Plymouth as "a progressive powerhouse in the region."
Among the church's activities documented by Fox News Digital: Plymouth hosted a concert by drag performer "Flamy Grant" in May 2025 and promoted a separate drag karaoke fundraiser at a nearby church in 2026. In 2023, the church invited transgender pastor Paula Stone Williams as a guest pastor. Church leadership participated in protests at the Iowa statehouse in support of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Plymouth held a prayer vigil supporting abortion access and rallied at the statehouse in July 2023 against abortion restrictions. The church also offers a comprehensive sexuality education curriculum beginning in first grade.