India, Nov. 3 -- Rob Sand has led an inquisitive life, focusing on the inner workings of his own government rather than leading it. Following his tenure as Iowa's state auditor since 2019, the Democrat is now running for governor, having built a reputation for uncovering waste, fraud, and government overspending.Sand, 44, was born and raised in Decorah, Iowa, where his family has lived for generations. His father, Kevin Sand, is a retired doctor, while his mother, Leslie Sand, was a physical therapist. Sand has often attributed his values concerning community, public life, and political compromise to his upbringing in a small town.

As a high school student, he spent two years campaigning for local authorities to build a skate park. He vi...