Iowa in the spotlight ELECTION GUIDE 2026
DAILYIOWAN.COM
2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
The Daily Iowan
A guide to student voting Students from Iowa and out-of-state can vote in several local, state, and federal races Nov. 3. Evan Watson News Editor
evan.watson@dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan
The 2026 midterms are fast approaching. University of Iowa students can vote at several locations across campus, and out-of-state students face more rules for casting ballots in Iowa. Students in Iowa City can register to vote with proof of residence in Iowa and a current driver’s license. The deadline for pre-registration is 15 days before the election. To vote in Iowa, a student needs to be a U.S. citizen, an Iowa resident, and be at least 17 years old. Students who are not from Iowa must not claim the right to vote in any other place and must have updated their registration. On select dates, Oct. 14-30, UI students can vote early at six locations across campus, including the Iowa Memorial Union and the UI Health Care campuses in Iowa City and North Liberty, among others. When election day rolls around on Nov. 3, students can vote at six campus locations: • • • • • •
Peterson Hall Art Building West Catlett Hall UI Athletics Hall of Fame UI Campus Recreation and Wellness Center UI Psychological and Brain Sciences Building
Students can also register to vote on election day as they arrive at the polls. Students living off campus must vote at the polling place that corresponds to the precinct in which they live. When voting on election day, students will need one item on a list of identifying documents and present it to election officials, including an Iowa or out-ofstate driver’s license, a U.S. passport, an employer-issued ID card, or a list of others. Out-of-state students who may not have their current address on their ID will need to provide a proof of residence, such as a valid lease.
Midterm races
The 2026 midterm ballot will include county, state, and federal elections. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is divided into five districts, and students can vote on the race representing their geographic district. District 1 represents northwestern Johnson County, including North Liberty. Republican Greg Erceg is running against incumbent Democrat Lisa Green-Douglass. In District 2, incumbent Jon Green, a Democrat, is running against Republican Phil Hemingway. District 2 comprises the county’s eastern half, including West Branch, Hills, Solon, and southeast Iowa City. District 3 sees Democrat Sue Dvorsky running against Republican Jennie Wunderlich. The district includes Tiffin, Coralville, and southwestern Johnson County. In District 4, incumbent Democrat V Fixmer-Oraiz is running against Republican Wanda Foster. District 4 occupies downtown and northern Iowa City. Republican Donna Dane is running against incumbent Democrat Mandi Remington in Johnson County District 5, which includes University Heights as well as south and west areas of Iowa City. There are three Iowa House of Representatives districts Johnson County voters will see on the ballot. These include: •
•
•
Iowa District 89, where incumbent Democrat Elinor Levin runs against Independent Daniel Arch. Iowa District 91, covering parts of Iowa and Johnson Counties, sees incumbent Republican Judd Lawler run against Democrat Mark Divitt. Iowa District 92 covers parts of Johnson and Washington Counties. Democrat Brittany Erickson faces Republican incumbent Heather Hora.
Johnson County voters can also vote for U.S. House Representatives in Iowa’s first Congressional District. Incumbent
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
“I voted” stickers lay across a table at a polling place. Community members from around Johnson County voted during the 2026 Primary on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, is running against Democrat Christina Bohannan and Independent Michael Bridgford. Iowa State Auditor and Democrat Rob Sand is running against Republican candidate Zach Lahn in the Iowa gubernatorial election. Iowa Sen. Janice Weiner, D-Iowa City, is running unopposed in Iowa Senate District 45. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, is running against Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, in the U.S. Senate campaign in Iowa. The Iowa Attorney General race is occupied by incumbent Republican Brenna Bird and Democrat Nate Willems. Democrat Ryan Peterman is running against incumbent Republican Paul Pate for Iowa Secretary of State. Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, a Republican incumbent, is running against Democrat Chris Jones. In an empty state auditor seat, Democrat Taylor Wettach and Republican Chris Cournoyer are vying for the position. Incumbent Roby Smith, a Republican, is running against Democrat John Norwood for state treasurer.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
Johnson County Polling Places IOWA CITY Iowa City 1 Lemme Elementary School 3100 E. Washington St. Iowa City 2 Horn Elementary School 600 Koser Ave. Iowa City 3 Petersen Hall, University of Iowa 304 Grand Ave. Iowa City 4 Art Building West 141 N. Riverside Dr. Iowa City 5 Catlett Hall 350 N. Madison St. Iowa City 6 Mercer Park Recreation Center 2701 Bradford Dr. Iowa City 7 West High School 2901 Melrose Ave. Iowa City 8 Irving Weber Elementary School 3850 Rohret Rd. SW Iowa City 9 UI Athletics Hall of Fame 2425 Prairie Meadow Dr. Iowa City 10 Terry Trueblood Recreation Area 579 McCollister Blvd. Iowa City 11 Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (South Entrance) 309 S. Madison St.
Coralville 4 Coralville Public Library 1401 5th St.
Iowa City 17 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 2301 E. Court St.
Coralville 5 Northwest Middle School 1507 8th St.
Iowa City 18 Longfellow Elementary School 1130 Seymour Ave.
Coralville 6 Wickham Elementary School 601 Oakdale Blvd.
Iowa City 20 Iowa City Senior Center 28 S. Linn St. Iowa City 21 Mann Elementary School 521 N. Dodge St. Iowa City 22-East Lucas North Parkview Church 15 Foster Rd. Iowa City 23 Iowa City Community School District Main Office 1725 N. Dodge St. Iowa City 24 St. Patrick Church 4330 St. Patrick Dr. Iowa City 25 UI Psychological and Brain Sciences Building 340 Iowa Ave. Iowa City 26 West High School 2901 Melrose Ave. Iowa City 27 Dream City 611 Southgate Ave.
Iowa City 12 Wood Elementary School 1930 Lakeside Dr.
CORALVILLE
Iowa City 13 First Mennonite Church 405 Myrtle Ave.
Coralville 1 Coralville Transit Intermodal Facility 906 Quarry Rd.
Iowa City 14 Tate High School 1528 Mall Dr.
Coralville 2 (includes Coralville 9) Brown Deer Golf Club 1900 County Club Dr.
Iowa City 15-East Lucas SE Iowa City Environmental Education Center 2401 Scott Blvd.
You can find the polling place for your home address on the Johnson County Auditor’s website: johnsoncountyiowa.gov/auditor/elections
Iowa City 16 Hoover Elementary School 1355 Barrington Rd.
Iowa City 19 Robert A. Lee Recreation Center 220 S. Gilbert St.
Coralville 3 Kirkwood Regional Center 2301 Oakdale Blvd.
2026 ELECTION GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 3
Coralville 7 North Ridge Pavilion 2250 Holiday Rd. Coralville 8 LIFEchurch 2205 2nd St.
SOLON / NORTHEAST JOHNSON COUNTY Big Grove St. Mary Catholic Church 1749 Racine Ave. NE, Solon Cedar Johnson County Conservation Sutliff Shop 5438 Sutliff Rd. NE, Solon
John Charlson | The Daily Iowan
North Liberty 3 South Slope Communications 980 N. Front St.
Jefferson West-Monro-Swisher Midnight Gem 2613 Ders Dr. NW, Cedar Rapids
North Liberty 4 North Central Middle School 180 E. Forevergreen Rd.
Oxford Clear Creek Elementary School 230 W. Wilson St., Oxford
North Liberty 5 North Liberty Recreation Center 520 W. Cherry St.
Scott KC Family Center 4776 American Legion Rd., Iowa City
Graham Celebration Farm 4696 Robin Woods Ln. NE, Iowa City
North Liberty 6 North Bend Elementary School 2230 St. Andrews Dr.
Jefferson East-Shueyville Shueyville Community Building 2863 120th St. NE
North Liberty 7 Hy-Vee Center at Centennial Park 1565 St. Andrews Dr.
Newport Celebration Farm 4696 Robin Woods Ln. NE, Iowa City
North Liberty 8 Garner Elementary School 80 Birch St.
Solon Solon Public Library 320 W. Main St.
Penn Liberty High School 1400 S. Dubuque St.
Sharon Sharon Center United Methodist Church 2804 520th St. SW, Kalona Tiffin 1-Clear Creek Clear Creek Amana Middle School 311 W Marengo Rd, Tiffin Tiffin 2 Tiffin Elementary School 104 N. Park Rd.
JOHNSON COUNTY – OTHER
Union Johnson County SEATS 4810 Melrose Ave., Iowa City
Fremont-Lincoln-Lone Tree Lone Tree American Legion 300 N. Devoe St., Lone Tree
University Heights University Heights Community Center 1302 Melrose Ave., Iowa City
North Liberty 1 Holy Trinity Church 650 W. 240th St. NE
Hardin Waldschmidt Hall 2012 400th St. SW, Oxford
Washington Hillcrest Academy 1421 540th St. SW, Kalona
North Liberty 2 North Liberty City Hall 360 N. Main St.
Hills-Liberty-Pleasant Valley Hills Community Center 110 E. Main St., Hills
West Lucas Johnson County ISU Extension 3109 Old Highway 218 S, Iowa City
NORTH LIBERTY Madison GreenState Credit Union 2355 Landon Rd.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
4 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan
(Left) Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn. (Right) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand.
All eyes on Iowa
Long cast in red, Iowa is catching a purple glow as the midterm approaches. Anna Olson Social Media Editor
anna.olson@dailyiowan.com
The fight for Iowa’s governor’s mansion has become a national attraction as Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn compete to lead a state that has elected Republican governors since 2010. The Sand-Lahn contest has drawn national coverage, including a feature in The New Yorker examining both candidates’ populist appeals and a report from The Associated Press describing the race as potentially one of the country’s most competitive gubernatorial races. That attention has even reached beyond political coverage and into pop culture. Iowa got a shoutout on Bravo’s “Watch what happens live with Andy Cohen,” when political commentator S.E. Cupp ranked Iowa’s gubernatorial contest at the top of her five midterm races to watch. “Have you seen him?” Cupp said playfully complimenting Sand’s looks.
Beyond the television spotlight, the candidates are making their pitches for Iowa’s future. Sand has emphasized lowering costs, growing Iowa’s economy, strengthening public education, and improving healthcare. His proposals include reversing Medicaid privatization, expanding access to preschool, and increasing oversight of private school voucher spending, according to his campaign website. Lahn’s “Iowa First” platform prioritizes retaining young Iowans, supporting family farms, reducing standardized testing and giving educators more flexibility, and reducing cancer diagnoses. His proposals include challenging agricultural monopolies, offering incentives to reduce farm runoff, and providing tax rebates to help young Iowans purchase homes. “I believe Iowa can be a beacon — the safest, freest, most family-centered state in America,” Lahn wrote on his campaign website. Sand, Iowa’s state auditor and its only Democratic statewide elected official, has criticized both parties, arguing that partisan conflict prevents the government from responding to Iowans’ needs.
At a roundtable discussion at the Coralville Community Food Pantry on Oct. 7, Sand called for a political system more responsive to ordinary people. “I fundamentally believe we would get better public policy if we had a political system driven by what ordinary people want instead of two private clubs who are mostly interested in beating up on each other,” he said. Lahn has also criticized politicians in both parties, arguing they have put corporate interests ahead of Iowans and has claimed “Our people are being pushed aside by greed, corruption, and a rigged system,” Lahn wrote on his campaign website. “I will fight with everything I have for our future.” Joshua Clinton, political science professor at Vanderbilt University, chaired a task force evaluating the 2020 pre-election polls and serves as a senior election analyst at NBC News. In an interview with The Daily Iowan, Clinton said Iowa’s competitiveness reflects both the national political environment and the candidates themselves. He cautioned that it is difficult to separate those influences, but said both matter in understanding why Democrats see an opening in a state that has recently favored Republicans. Both candidates have cast themselves as alternatives to the political establishment. Their competing appeals offer Iowa voters different visions of change as they choose a successor to Gov. Kim Reynolds, who has repeatedly been ranked as one of the nation’s least popular governors. As the midterm elections near and Iowa’s races draw all sorts of political and cultural attention, the stakes extend beyond the state’s borders. Iowa voters are poised to help determine control of Congress and whether Democrats can regain ground in a state that has increasingly favored Republicans.
DAILYIOWAN.COM Iowa’s political divide takes center stage Close races and two separate outbursts from protesters on the University of Iowa’s campus put the Hawkeye State’s own division on the national stage. Political commentator Ben Shapiro and Donald Trump Jr. joined UI’s Turning Point USA chapter in a packed house at the Iowa Memorial Union on Oct. 8. UI student Logan Lantz Westin faces two simple misdemeanor charges according to his court documents after he was dragged out of the event. Mousab Ahmoudi, a 2024 UI graduate, said he was removed from the event for yelling in protest of the right’s treatment of Palestine. Videos of the incident have garnered nearly 1 million views between social media platforms, showing Ahmoudi yelling “F--- Israel, f--Trump the pedophile” to which Shapiro told him to “shut the f--- up.” The viral exchange has brought national visibility to political tensions in a state that’s elections are already attracting attention beyond its borders. While Iowa has at times been blue, red, or purple, it has recently turned sharply to the right. Since 2023, all six members of Iowa’s congressional delegation have been Republicans. Additionally, Republicans have held Iowa’s governorship for nearly 16 years dating back to January 2011 — and both chambers of the state legislature. In the last three presidential elections, Iowa voted for President Donald Trump, cementing the state’s shift toward the GOP after backing Democrat Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. But as Democratic candidates including Sand for governor, Iowa Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, for U.S. Senate, and Christina Bohannan for U.S. House step up to challenge the red wave in Iowa, eyes turn toward the state to see whether Democrats can turn competitive races into victories and shifts in Iowa’s political landscape. Analysts from The Cook Political Report moved Iowa’s U.S. Senate rate to a “toss up” from “lean Republican” in August. In October, the state’s 1st Congressional District shifted to “lean Democrat” from “Toss Up.” Additionally, the analysts moved Iowa’s gubernatorial race from “toss up” to “lean Democrat,” underscoring the competitiveness of multiple Iowa contests. “Even states that President Donald Trump won by double digits could move within Democrats’ reach,” Cook analyst Jessica Taylor wrote in her Aug. 20 analysis. National attention on the state has soared in recent months, drawing Trump and Vice President JD Vance to give speeches in Iowa. The heightened race visibility puts greater scrutiny on polling and what it can reveal about Iowa’s competitive races. Clinton said Iowa’s competitive races are drawing national attention because they
2026 ELECTION GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 5
could offer insight into broader shifts in voters’ attitudes toward the two dominant political parties. “I think it’s emblematic of the overall question about where America is in terms of its politics and thinking about Democrats and Republicans,” he said. For Ahmoudi, the political clash on campus turned those broader questions into a personal call to action. In an interview with the DI, Ahmoudi said he previously created apolitical content, but his removal from the event marked a shift in his political involvement, prompting him to create political content and reach out to students to organize ahead of the election. He said he previously had little interest in politics, described a strong connection to Iowa City after moving from New York to attend the UI. He said that link motivated him to become more politically involved. “I’ve always felt that I’m an Iowan,” he said. “I have this deep connection with Iowa, especially Iowa City.” That sense of belonging has prompted Ahmoudi to reach out to students and campus organizations to encourage political action ahead of the election. “We have to do something for this state, for our future,” he said.
Third times’ the charm? Republican incumbent and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic challenger Bohannan are facing off for a third time in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, a contest that has attracted millions in advertising spending and the attention of national Republican leadership. Miller-Meeks has emphasized tax cuts and support for manufacturing, along with lowering healthcare costs, supporting rural communities, and combating government waste. Bohannan’s campaign platform identifies lowering the cost of living as her top priority, alongside expanding access to healthcare, restoring abortion rights, improving water quality, and strengthening government accountability.Their contest has drawn a combined $9.4 million in advertising according to AdImpact data analyzed by the Wesleyan Media Project. In fact, according to the study, Iowa’s 1st Congressional District attracted more advertising than any other U.S. House race during the study’s September window. The rematch follows a dramatic narrowing of Miller-Meeks’ winning margin. She defeated Bohannan by nearly seven percentage points in 2022, but fewer than 1,000 votes separated them in 2024, when a recount confirmed MillerMeeks’ victory. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, rallied support for Miller-Meeks
ELECTION | 6
Liz Sleper | The Daily Iowan
An audience member stands up in protest and is escorted out at Turning Point USA’s “America: Love It or Leave It” fall campus tour event at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City on Oct. 8. TPUSA brought out conservative political figures Donald Trump Jr., Alex Clark, Russell Johnson, and Ben Shapiro to speak at the event.
John Charlson | The Daily Iowan
U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, exits the main hall of the Scott County Iowa Republicans office after speaking at a Scott County Rally in Davenport on Oct. 9. Johnson came in support of U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, during her run for re-election in Iowa’s first congressional district.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
6 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
Cody Scanlan | The Des Moines Register | Via AP
U.S. Senate candidates Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, and Rep. Josh Turek, D-Council Bluffs, take questions during a debate Oct. 7 in Johnston, Iowa.
ELECTION from 5
in Davenport on Oct. 9, calling the race crucial to maintain the Republicans’ House majority. “You are sitting in one of the top five districts in America right now,” Johnson said. Despite Johnson’s public show of support, the Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with the speaker, and Trump-aligned groups canceled planned advertising for Miller-Meeks just four days later, redirecting resources to other competitive races throughout the country. The Oct. 13 move redirected resources toward other competitive districts in Iowa as Republicans fight to preserve their narrow house majority, according to The New York Time’s reporting. The withdrawal followed another sign of the race’s shifting outlook: The Cook Political Report moved the district from “toss up” to “lean Democrat” in October. Even before the groups withdrew their support, Bohannan emphasized the district’s potential to help Democrats regain control of the House. Speaking to University Democrats on Oct. 12 in the Iowa Memorial Union, Bohannan described the district as a key opportunity for Democrats to gain ground in Washington D.C. “I think that we have a great opportunity here to flip this seat,” Bohannan said. “It’s a critical seat, I will tell you.”
Senate race is declared a “toss up”
Democrat Turek is challenging U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, for the seat held by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst since 2015. The open-seat contest has put Iowa in the national fight for control of the Senate, giving Democrats an opportunity to challenge the state’s entirely Republican congressional delegation. Hinson’s campaign priorities include lowering costs, securing the border, supporting law enforcement, and expanding access to healthcare. Her affordability proposals include making federal tax cuts permanent, allowing yearround E15 sales, and temporarily suspending state and federal gas taxes. Turek has emphasized lowering living costs, raising the minimum wage, and making healthcare more affordable. His platform also calls for restoring federal abortion protections, supporting cancer research, and addressing government waste and corruption. Hinson has secured support from prominent Republicans, including Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott. Her campaign has emphasized her commitment to advancing Trump’s agenda in Washington. Turek, a two-time Paralympic basketball gold medalist, has campaigned as a moderate, pointing to his experience winning a Republican-leaning state legislative district. His candidacy is testing whether Democrats can attract enough crossover support to win statewide despite Iowa’s recent GOP voting record. Despite that high-profile backing and Iowa’s recent GOP
voting record, Hinson faces a competitive race as the Cook Political Report moved the race to a “toss up.” The contest has also attracted national media coverage. In an Aug. 22 feature titled “The Former Local News Anchor in the Political Fight of Her Life,” The Wall Street Journal examined Hinson’s campaign against Turek and identified Iowa as a potential pickup in Democrats’ effort to regain the Senate majority. Clinton said those national stakes help explain the attention on Iowa, as a Democratic victory in a state that has recently favored Republicans could also reveal broader dissatisfaction with the GOP. “Iowa is one of the states where people think the Democrats could pick up a seat and possibly get the majority, and so that’s just going to drive national attention,” Clinton said.Report moved the race to a “toss up.” The contest has also attracted national media coverage. In an Aug. 22 feature titled “The Former Local News Anchor in the Political Fight of Her Life,” The Wall Street Journal examined Hinson’s campaign against Turek and identified Iowa as a potential pickup in Democrats’ effort to regain the Senate majority. Clinton said those national stakes help explain the attention on Iowa, as a Democratic victory in a state that has recently favored Republicans could also reveal broader dissatisfaction with the GOP. “Iowa is one of the states where people think the Democrats could pick up a seat and possibly get the majority, and so that’s just going to drive national attention,” he said.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
2026 ELECTION GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 7
U.S. SENATE
Democrat
Age: 47 Location: Council Bluffs Occupation: U.S. Representative Education: Southwest Minnesota State University
Josh Turek is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Iowa, winning the June primary over state Sen. Zach Wahls Turek represents Iowa House District 20, located in Pottowattamie County in southwest Iowa, after being elected in 2022. He has cited his win in a district that voted for Trump as evidence he can appeal to independent and moderate Republican voters. Turek has been endorsed by former president Barack Obama, and former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Before serving in the House he spent much of his adult life playing professional wheelchair basketball in Europe. Born with spina bifida, a condition that affects the development of the spine, he competed in four Paralympic Games representing the United States, winning gold twice. He graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a degree in history and later earned a Master of Business Administration. During his time in the House, Turek has sponsored bills addressing health care costs and access to services, including proposals to cap monthly insulin costs at $25, expand dental coverage under Medicaid, strengthen protections for nursing home residents and reduce waiting lists for Medicaid home- and community-based services. Turek has also sponsored legislation to limit the amount of money that can be given to individual campaigns and political committees. His campaign, branded “Pushing for Change,” focuses on lowering costs for working families, expanding access to health care, strengthening public education and fighting corruption in Washington.
Josh Turek
“
“
If you’re tired of this rigged system only looking out for billionaires and leaving the rest of us behind, then join us. Whether you’re a republican, an independent, or a democrat, there is room here for you in our campaign.
ISSUES Immigration: Turek said he supports securing the border, deporting people who commit crimes, holding ICE agents accountable and creating an earned pathway to citizenship. He supports the Dignity Act, which would allow some undocumented immigrants to obtain limited legal status if they meet specific requirements. Healthcare: Turek said he supports restoring federal abortion protections and sponsored legislation to repeal Iowa’s abortion ban.
ASHLEY HINSON Republican
Age: 43 Location: Marion Occupation: U.S. Representative Education: University of Southern California
Ashley Hinson represents northeast Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. She grew up in Des Moines, and graduated from Valley High School. She went on to attend the University of Southern California, earning her bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. She was first elected to Congress in 2020 after defeating incumbent Democrat Abby Finkenauer in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. Following redistricting, Hinson ran in the 2nd District in 2022 and was reelected. Hinson revived endorsements from President Donald Trump, Gov. Kim Reynolds, Sen. Chuck Grassly, and Sen. Joni Ernst. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending, as well as the House Ethics Committee and a select committee focused on U.S. competition with China. In July 2024, Hinson co-sponsored the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act, which was signed into law and received bipartisan support. The law allows federal maternal and child health grant funding to be used for stillbirth prevention activities and research. Hinson supported the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill, which included tax provisions affecting working families, small businesses and seniors, along with increased funding for border security, and reductions in Medicaid spending.
“
It is really critical that we have enough energy production in this country to handle the necessary needs of whether it’s a data center or another big energy consumer. We want to reinvigorate American manufacturing in this country. Ashley Hinson
“
JOSH TUREK
ISSUES Immigration: Hinson said she supports enforcing federal immigration laws, securing the southern border and deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally and have committed dangerous crimes. Healthcare: Hinson said she supports lowering prescription drug costs, strengthening rural health care and expanding access to maternal health care.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
8 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
IOWA GUBERNATORIAL RACE
ROB SAND
Democrat
Age: 44 Location: Des Moines Occupation: State Auditor Education: Brown University, University of Iowa Law
ISSUES Education: Sand believes in strengthening public education in Iowa, which he said starts with providing every Iowa student with universal all-day preschool. Sand proposed taking funding from Iowa’s voucher program and redirecting it to fund preschool. Sand said he doesn’t want to get rid of the voucher program, but instead bring more oversight to the amount of money being spent each year on vouchers. Affordability: Sand is campaigning on the promise of lowering the cost of living for Iowans. He proposed lowering healthcare costs by ending the privatization of Medicaid, and is seeking to build more homes to address Iowa’s housing shortage. Women’s Healthcare: Sand supports reproductive freedom and opposes Iowa’s six-week abortion ban. He believes healthcare decisions should remain between a woman, her family, and her medical provider. Water quality: To combat Iowa’s water crisis, Sand wants Iowa to invest in water quality monitors and implement farmer led water quality programs. Sand also wants to expand conservation programs by offering tax-credits for farmers.
“
I pissed off a bunch of powerful people in both political parties as your state auditor, and I’d like to keep pissing them off as your governor.
“
Rob Sand
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rob Sand speaks to attendees during the Johnson County stop for his 100 Town Hall Tour at the Iowa Memorial Union in Iowa City on Sept. 14. This stop was his 100th on the tour.
In partisan territory Rob Sand is the Democratic nominee for Iowa governor in the November election. Sand grew up in Decorah, Iowa, where he developed an interest in public service. He attended Brown University before returning to Iowa to earn his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2010. Sand spent seven years in the Iowa Attorney General’s office as a prosecutor, specializing in public corruption and financial crimes. He currently serves as Iowa’s state auditor, a position he has held since being elected in 2019, and re-elected in 2022. Sand was the first democrat elected to the auditor position since the 1960s. As state auditor, Sand oversees government financial audits and investigations into the use of public funds. He also created the Public Innovations and Efficiencies program, which helps local governments implement cost-saving measures. His office has investigated allegations of government waste, fraud, and misuse of taxpayer money. According to his campaign website, Sand uncovered more waste and fraud than any state auditor in Iowa history, uncovering
more than $29 million in mispent money during his time as auditor. He announced his campaign for governor in May of 2025, and his campaign is centered around government accountability, economic growth, lowering the cost of living for Iowa families, and strengthening public education. His campaign is also emphasizing working across party lines, according to his campaign website. In his office as auditor, he employed independent and Republican leadership positions. Sand has highlighted the importance of Republican and independent support for his campaign, launching an initiative called the “Rob-publicans,” a group of registered Republicans who are supporting Sand’s campaign for governor. Sand also went on a town hall tour, visiting all 99 counties in Iowa and holding town halls where he could talk to voters about issues that are important to them. Outside of politics, Sand enjoys bowhunting, biking, and fishing. He lives in Des Moines with his wife, Christine, and their two sons.
DAILYIOWAN.COM
2026 ELECTION GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 9
IOWA GUBERNATORIAL RACE
ZACH LAHN
Republican
Age: 40 Location: Belle Plaine Occupation: Farmer and businessman Education: University of Colorado
ISSUES Education: Lahn said he supports expanding school choice and giving parents more control over their children’s education, including access to public school alternatives. He also said he wants to make public schools so good they compete with public schools. Affordability: Lahn said he supports lessening tax burdens for Iowans, expanding food freedom policies and restricting Wall Street hedge funds from buying single-family homes to make living more affordable for Iowa families. He also opposes tax incentives for out-of-state and foreign corporations, arguing state policies should prioritize Iowa residents and businesses. Abortion: Lahn said he opposes abortion and supports protecting life from conception. Lahn specifically opposed abortion pills sent through the U.S. Postal Service without a woman ever meeting with a physician. Cancer: Lahn said he wants to address Iowa’s high cancer rates through independent product safety testing, increased cancer research at the University of Iowa, and incentives for farmers to reduce agricultural runoff and water contamination.
“
If the people in this room decide they’re going to get out and vote, and bring their friends, and their neighbors, and people in [their] church, you have my word: We are going to win this race in November.
“
Zach Lahn
Samantha DeFily | The Daily Iowan
Iowa Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn speaks with attendees during Turning Point Action’s Iowa First tailgate at Fieldhouse Bar & Grill in Iowa City on Sept. 11. TPAction said Lahn is a sixth-generation Iowan trying to keep young people in Iowa.
From the outside looking in Zach Lahn is a sixth-generation farmer and first-time candidate for elected office. He announced his campaign in Nov. 2025, Lahn won the Republican gubernatorial nomination in a five-candidate primary on June 2, receiving 37.8 percent of the vote and narrowly defeating U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra,who received 37 percent. Feestra, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, conceded and pledged to help Lahn in November. Originally from Belle Plaine, Iowa, Lahn left the state to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado before returning to Iowa in 2023. He bought back his family farm in 2014, after it had been sold in 2005. He is married to Annie Lahn, and has seven children. Lahn is an entrepreneur and farmer, co-founding Homeplace Ventures, an investment company focused on agriculture, real estate, and technology. He also co-founded Wonder, a private school in Wichita, Kansas in 2018. Rather than traditional classrooms and grades, Lahn’s private school emphasizes projects, portfolios, and
self-directed problem solving. Before running for governor, Lahn worked with Republican candidates in multiple states. His political work included serving as a staff assistant for Colorado U.S. Rep. Cory Gardner in 2010, managing Steve Daines’ congressional campaign in Montana in 2011 and 2012, and managing congressional campaigns for Iowa Republicans David Young in 2013 and Matt Schultz in 2014. From 2014 to 2015, Lahn served as Montana’s state director for Americans for Prosperity, a conservative advocacy organization. During his time with the organization, Lahn helped lead efforts opposing Medicaid expansion in Montana. He also publicly opposed federal environmental regulations, arguing they could harm the state’s economy and agricultural industry. His campaign centers on an “Iowa First” approach, emphasizing policies he says will help Iowa families and keep future generations in the state, by lowering cancer rates, improving schools, and protecting family farms. His campaign is also focused on improving water quality in Iowa and lowering the cost of living for Iowa families.
CHRISTINA BOHANNAN
MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS
LINDSAY JAMES
JOE MITCHELL
DAILYIOWAN.COM
2026 ELECTION GUIDE | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2026 | 11
IOWA 3rd CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
SARAH TRONE GARRIOTT Democrat
Age: 48 Location: Windsor Heights Occupation: Nonprofit leader Education: College of St. Scholastica
ZACH NUNN
Republican
Age: 47 Location: Ankeny Occupation: U.S. Representative Education: Air Command and Staff College Zach Nunn is a Republican running for the U.S. House of Representatives to continue to represent Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Before Nunn began his campaign, he graduated from Duke University and has since received degrees in international security from Cambridge University, cybersecurity from Air Command and Staff College, and Strategy and Technology Innovation from Air War College. Nunn has served as a United States Air Force combat aviator and has been deployed three times to the Middle East following the events of 9/11. Nunn has also served on the White House’s National Security Council, the Iowa House of Representatives, and Iowa Senate.
Sarah Trone Garriott is running against incumbent Zach Nunn for the U.S. House to represent Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. Before Trone Garriott began her campaign, she was a minister, nonprofit leader, and member of the Iowa Senate. She has been a member of AmeriCorps and a VISTA volunteer, where she served others. Trone Garriott later entered ministry and became an ordained Lutheran pastor and first served in 2013 at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Virginia. She has also been the coordinator of Interfaith Engagement for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network, where she worked to better serve Iowans. standard for politicians in Washington. .
ISSUES
ISSUES
Healthcare: Trone Garriott wants to address the rural healthcare crisis in Iowa and ensure everyone has access to quaility care regardless of where they live.
Immigration: Nunn believes in strong border security to combat human and drug trafficking.
Affordability: She wants to address tarriffs that have priced some Iowa families ourt of providing adequate food, housing, and healthcare to their children.
Constitutional rights: Nunn supports Americans’ right to free speech and owning firearms, which he believes are underattack by Big Tech and his political opponents.
IOWA 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
DAVE DAWSON Democrat
Age: 53 Location: Lawton Occupation: Attorney Education: Iowa State University
CHRIS MCGOWAN Republican
Dave Dawson is a former member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 14th district of Iowa, including parts of Sioux City, from 2013 to 2017. After graduating from Iowa State University, Dawson received a law degree from UCLA. In 2002, he returned to Iowa to serve as a prosecutor for the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. There, he handled child abuse, sex offenses, and drug trafficking.
Age: 59 Location: Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president Occupation: U.S. Representative Education: St. John’s University Chris McGowan is a native resident of Sioux City who has worked in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District as an economic development professional since 2003. After graduating from St. John’s University McGowan received a law degree from Ave Maria School of Law in 2003. After he graduated from law school, he became a member of The Siouxland Initiative and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. In 2011, he was selected to be president of both organizations.
ISSUES
ISSUES
Healthcare: Dawson said he wants to expand rural healthcare access and prioritize protecting veterans by fully funding the VA and advocating for their healthcare benefits.
Immigration: If elected, McGowan wants to focus on securing the southern border.
Affordability: Dawson supports raising the federal minimum wage, and bolstering affordability in small rural areas.
Farmers: McGowan hopes to acquire free and fair-trade agreements for Iowa farmers.
RYAN PETERMAN
PAUL PATE
TAYLOR WETTACH
CHRIS COURNOYER
CHRIS JONES
MIKE NAIG
JOHN NORWOOD
ROBY SMITH
NATE WILLEMS
BRENNA BIRD
¡
MEGHANN FOSTER
AMY NIELSEN
DAVE JACOBY
ELINOR LEVIN
ADAM ZABNER
JANICE WEINER
MARK DIVITT
JUDD LAWLER
BRITTANY ERICKSON
¡
HEATHER HORA
LISA GREEN-DOUGLASS
GREG ERCEG
JON GREEN
PHIL HEMINGWAY
SUE DVORSKY
JENNIE WUNDERLICH
V FIXMER-ORAIZ
WANDA FOSTER
MANDI REMINGTON
DONNA DANE
JAIL REFEREDUM
Sample Ballot