POLITICS

Iowa Democratic Primary Tests Party's Senate Election Strategy

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Des Moines, Iowa. On Tuesday, Democratic voters selected between state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls in a closely watched primary to determine the party nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Joni Ernst. VoteVets spent nearly $9.9 million backing Turek, and national figures and endorsements shaped the campaign. Iowa's winner will face Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in November, as Democrats aim to flip a seat in a state Trump won by 13 points in 2024 and where Republicans outnumber Democrats by roughly 200,000 registered voters. This week national organizations and party leaders assess strategy, and the general election becomes the next major contest.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

2008 — Tom Harkin was last elected U.S. Senator from Iowa, establishing historical Democratic precedent.
Early–Mid 2026 — Sen. Joni Ernst announces she will not seek re-election, creating an open seat.
Late May 2026 — VoteVets files FEC reports and AdImpact tracks roughly $9.9 million spent supporting Josh Turek.
This week (Tuesday) — Iowa Democrats held a primary between Josh Turek and Zach Wahls to select the nominee.
Post-primary — The winner will advance to a November general election against the Republican nominee, likely Ashley Hinson.

Why This Matters to You

The Iowa primary results could shape the Senate balance, affecting national policies on health, economy, and rights. Keep an eye on the general election in November. Check your voter registration status today.

The Bottom Line

Democrats are aiming to flip a historically Republican seat in a state where Trump won by 13 points. It's a test of strategy and a sign of the party's broader ambitions. Worth forwarding if you know someone in Iowa.