Secretary of Agriculture Iowa in Statewide, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Mike Naig — Incumbent Secretary of Agriculture in Des Moines, IA

  Mike Naig is the incumbent Republican Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa, first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, having previously served as deputy agriculture secretary. He focuses on building markets for Iowa farmers, enhancing conservation practices for water quality and soil health, and supporting agricultural growth. Naig championed legislative wins including a historic investment in clean water and the comprehensive, bipartisan Iowa Farm Act, aiming to expand economic opportunities and reduce regulatory burdens. After initially considering a 2026 gubernatorial bid, he chose to seek reelection as agriculture secretary, stating there is "still work to be done growing our state and economy."

• Chris Jones — Water quality advocate in IA

  Chris Jones, a Democratic candidate, is running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2026. A former University of Iowa research engineer and adjunct associate professor, he retired in 2023 after a career focused on water quality, including time at Des Moines Water Works and the Iowa Soybean Association. Jones, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, co-founded the nonprofit Iowa Driftless Water Defenders and authors "The Swine Republic" newsletter, advocating for holding agriculture accountable for pollution and reforming economic incentives for environmentally safer farming. He announced his campaign in front of Des Moines Water Works offices, emphasizing that elevated nitrate levels are unacceptable.