Iowa Governor-elect Rob Sand has announced his first staffing decision following his election victory, selecting Abe Rakov to serve as his chief of staff when he takes office.
Sand said he first became acquainted with Rakov in 2018, when both were involved in political activities in Iowa. At the time, Sand was campaigning for state auditor, while Rakov was working with Let America Vote, a national political action committee focused on voting issues.
Rakov previously served as chief of staff to Jason Kander during Kander’s 2016 U.S. Senate campaign in Missouri. Kander, a Democrat, previously served as Missouri’s Secretary of State. Following that campaign, Rakov co-founded Let America Vote.
Sand pointed to Rakov’s experience working in state government and navigating divided government as factors in his selection. Missouri’s Secretary of State’s office had approximately 250 employees during Kander’s tenure, according to Sand. He also noted Rakov’s experience working with lawmakers across party lines.
Iowa will have a divided government when Sand begins his term, with a Democratic governor and a Republican-led Legislature.
Sand said he has remained in contact with Rakov over the years and noted that Rakov volunteered with his campaign in Iowa on Election Day. Sand described Rakov as a trusted adviser with an interest in public service.
Rakov responded to the announcement on social media, saying he was “humbled and honored by the opportunity” to serve as Sand’s chief of staff.
Since 2018, Rakov has worked at a Texas-based firm. His previous political consulting work includes involvement with Beto O’Rourke’s 2020 presidential campaign and Run for Something, an organization that encourages young Democrats to seek elected office.
Additional details about Rakov’s responsibilities and the incoming administration’s staffing plans have not yet been included in the announcement.
