Iowa · 2026 Midterms

What's on your Iowa ballot

A clear, nonpartisan rundown of the candidates and races Iowa voters will decide in the 2026 midterms, with where each candidate stands and how competitive the race is.

Open the interactive guide → Updated July 2026

U.S. Senate, Iowa

Hinson vs TurekToo close to call

Open seat after Sen. Joni Ernst's retirement. A surprise battleground: NYT/Siena (June) shows a 2-point race.

Ashley Hinson Republican

U.S. Representative for Iowa, three-term lawmaker

55%est. chance of winning · NYT/Siena (June): Hinson +2; Inside Elections: Lean R
  • EconomySupports tax cuts and deregulation
  • ImmigrationBacks stronger border enforcement
  • GovernmentSupporter of President Trump's agenda in the House
  • AgricultureAdvocates for Iowa farm and rural interests
versus
Josh Turek Democrat

State representative, two-time Paralympic gold medalist

45%est. chance of winning · NYT/Siena (June): trails by 2; one June poll had Turek +4
  • HealthcareMake healthcare more affordable and accessible
  • EconomyLower costs for working families, 'commonsense prairie populist'
  • HousingMake housing more affordable
  • DemocracyEmphasizes working across the aisle

Governor

Sand vs LahnToo close to call

Open seat after Gov. Kim Reynolds chose not to seek another term.

Rob Sand Democrat

Iowa State Auditor

45%est. chance of winning · Cook: Toss-up
  • GovernmentAnti-corruption and accountability focus from his auditor record
  • EconomyFocus on cost of living and fiscal responsibility
  • HealthcareSupports expanding access
versus
Zach Lahn Republican

Businessman

55%est. chance of winning · Cook: Toss-up (slight R advantage)
  • EconomyLow-tax, pro-business platform
  • EducationSupports school choice
  • GovernmentConservative outsider, Trump-endorsed

Attorney General

Bird vs WillemsCompetitive

Incumbent seeking another term. Both nominees confirmed in the June 2 primary.

Brenna Bird Republican

Incumbent Iowa Attorney General

68%est. chance of winning · R-leaning state
  • GovernmentJoined multistate suits aligned with the Trump administration
  • ImmigrationSupports stronger enforcement
  • EconomyConsumer protection and anti-fraud
versus
Nate Willems Democrat

Attorney and former state representative

32%est. chance of winning · R-leaning state
  • GovernmentConsumer and worker protection focus
  • EconomyLabor-backed
  • HealthcareSupports expanding access

Secretary of State

Pate vs PetermanProjected winner

Incumbent seeking a fifth term. Iowa Republicans hold every statewide executive office except auditor.

Paul Pate Republican

Incumbent Iowa Secretary of State

68%est. chance of winning · R-leaning state
  • DemocracyElection administration and security
  • GovernmentBusiness services and voter registration
versus
Ryan Peterman Democrat

Navy veteran

32%est. chance of winning · R-leaning state
  • DemocracyExpand voter access
  • GovernmentElection transparency

State Treasurer

Smith vs NorwoodProjected winner

Incumbent seeking another term, running unopposed by any Democrat.

Roby Smith Republican

Incumbent Iowa State Treasurer

93%est. chance of winning · Safe R; uncontested
  • EconomyState fund management, fiscal conservatism
  • GovernmentCollege savings and financial programs
versus
John Norwood Democrat

Businessman and former county soil-water commissioner; 2022 nominee

7%est. chance of winning · Iowa SOS candidate list
  • EconomyFiscal oversight and responsible management of state funds
  • GovernmentFormer county soil-and-water commissioner; 2022 nominee for Secretary of Agriculture

State Auditor

Cournoyer vs WettachCompetitive

Open seat; Auditor Rob Sand (the lone statewide Democrat) is running for governor.

Chris Cournoyer Republican

Iowa state senator

93%est. chance of winning · R-leaning, open seat
  • GovernmentFiscal oversight and accountability
  • EconomyTechnology and efficiency background
versus
Taylor Wettach Democrat

Attorney; Democratic nominee for State Auditor

7%est. chance of winning · Iowa SOS candidate list
  • GovernmentGovernment accountability and oversight
  • EconomyAttorney focused on transparency in state finances

Secretary of Agriculture

Naig vs JonesProjected winner

Incumbent seeking another term, running unopposed by any Democrat.

Mike Naig Republican

Incumbent Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

93%est. chance of winning · Safe R; uncontested
  • EconomyAgriculture, rural development, and trade
  • GovernmentFarm policy and conservation
versus
Chris Jones Democrat

Retired engineer, professor, and clean-water advocate

7%est. chance of winning · Iowa SOS candidate list
  • AgricultureClean-water advocacy and conservation
  • GovernmentRetired engineer and professor running on environmental stewardship

This page is a research starting point, not an endorsement. Ballot Awareness is not affiliated with any candidate, party, or government body. Candidate and primary results are verified against Ballotpedia, the NBC News 2026 election results, and the Associated Press. Win estimates are editorial assessments based on public race ratings (such as the Cook Political Report) and polling, not predictions. Always verify with your official Iowa election information before voting.

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