No incumbent in Iowa governor or Senate race for first time since 1968

Retirements by Ernst and Gov. Kim Reynolds have revived Democratic hopes in a state that has been reliably red since 2012, as President Trump's popularity has waned.

• Nov 3

Iowa's Ashley Hinson courts Trump loyalists, promises to push back

Republican Senate nominee Ashley Hinson says she'll push back on the president, but her campaign also relies on his loyalists turning out. Meanwhile, Democrat Josh Turek is the only Iowa candidate seeking federal office who explicitly mentions President Trump in general election TV ads.

• Oct 23

Iowa Republicans flip Iran war vote amid fuel prices, casualties

Reps. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks reversed course on a House resolution to require congressional approval for continued military action against Iran, citing open-ended war concerns ahead of competitive midterm races.

• Sep 16

Turning Point Action targets all 99 Iowa counties for 2028

Turning Point Action is expanding its Iowa presence county by county, with leaders saying high voter participation in the caucuses is the organization's key measure of success.

• Sep 7

Obama endorses Iowa Dem Josh Turek for Senate bid

Iowa Democrat Josh Turek got an assist Wednesday from former President Barack Obama, who endorsed his bid to flip a Republican-held U.S. Senate seat in a video of the two shooting hoops.

• Jul 29

Iowa Dems debate Senate strategy as outside cash pours in

State Rep. Josh Turek and State Sen. Zach Wahls squared off Thursday over which candidate can flip Iowa's open Republican-held Senate seat, as millions in outside spending reshapes the primary's final stretch.

• May 15

Iowa Democrats launch major 2026 midterm push

With 60 field organizers, 15 offices, and high-seven-figure spending planned, Iowa Democrats are making their most aggressive midterm investment in years as they target open seats for governor and U.S. Senate.

• May 4

GOP Rep. Randy Feenstra jumps into 2026 race for Iowa governor

Iowa Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra on Tuesday confirmed that he is running for governor after a monthslong exploratory campaign in which he amassed support and raised money for an open election in a high-stakes midterm year.

• Oct 28, 2025

Joni Ernst won't seek reelection to Senate in 2026, sources say

GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next week she's not running for reelection in 2026.

• Aug 29, 2025