Rob Sand Responds to Vogue Post About His Modeling Past

On November 5, Iowa Gov.-elect Rob Sand responded to a Vogue Instagram post about his past in high fashion, confirming in the comments that he knew about his own modeling history. The reply drew more than 700 likes within about 20 minutes, alongside congratulatory messages from users.

Sand won Iowa’s governor’s race on November 3, defeating Republican businessman Zach Lahn. Soon after the result, social media users began sharing information about Sand’s earlier work as a model.

While attending Brown University, Sand modeled in Europe, including walking runways for Prada, Japan’s Number (N)ine and Giuliano Fujiwara. He also appeared in magazine editorial spreads. The work helped him cover education costs, and he missed a caucus in his hometown of Decorah in 2004 while in Milan.

Sand described the choice between attending the caucus and going to Europe as one he had to make, telling Newsweek, “And I chose to go to Europe.” A 2019 New York Times profile had also mentioned his brief modeling period in Paris and Milan, noting that Sand did not like discussing it.

After his election victory, Sand spoke about political division and said he wanted to focus on bringing people together. He is set to take office in January. His campaign platform included growing Iowa’s economy, reducing living costs and strengthening public education.