Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said he is concerned about the possibility of Democrat Rob Sand becoming Iowa governor, pointing to the potential consequences for the Senate if Grassley were to die while serving his term.

“I don’t plan on dying in office, but if I did, I don’t want a Democrat governor choosing my successor,” Grassley said.

Grassley, 93, is the longest-serving current senator and has represented Iowa in the Senate since 1981. He is seeking another term in the 2028 election.

Sand, Iowa’s Democratic state auditor, is running for governor and is seeking to succeed Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is unable to seek another consecutive term under Iowa’s term limits.

Republican Zach Lahn is also running for governor, giving Republicans a candidate seeking to keep the governor’s office in GOP hands as Democrats attempt to take control of the state’s executive branch.

Under Iowa law, the governor has the authority to appoint a replacement to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy until a special election is held. Grassley’s comments therefore focused on the potential political implications of a Democratic governor having that authority if a Senate vacancy occurred during Grassley’s term.

Grassley has remained a prominent figure in Iowa Republican politics despite his age and lengthy tenure in Washington. His remarks highlight the importance of the governor’s race beyond state government, as control of the governor’s office could affect future appointments to federal office.

Sand is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor as Republicans, including Lahn, work to retain the office following Reynolds’ tenure. The 2026 governor’s race will determine who succeeds Reynolds and controls Iowa’s executive branch.