Iowa Democrats see signs of optimism for 2026 despite state's hard-right turn
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Source: Roll Call
Posted June 11, 2025 at 5:49pm
Tom Vilsack won the Iowa governorship in 1998 by telling voters that it was “time to rotate the crops” and cast off three decades of Republican rule. Now some Democrats are reviving that sentiment as they make a new pitch to make gains in a state that has shifted sharply to the right in recent years. “We’ve got some real opportunities here in 2026, and it’s evidenced by the fact that we have so many candidates who are throwing their hat in the ring,” Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said. “It’s time for a change to bring things back to [the] middle ground.’’
Democrats point to several reasons for their optimism. Less than two weeks after Donald Trump’s inauguration, the party flipped a state Senate seat the president had carried by double digits and then overperformed in two subsequent legislative special elections. Democrats also say Trump’s trade policies could have a negative impact on the state, especially its all-important agriculture sector. And though the 2026 midterms are still 17 months away, Democrats have already locked in several experienced politicians for key races, including state Auditor Rob Sands, who is running for governor.
Then, late last month, a remark by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst at a town hall in Parkersburg shook up her bid for a third term. Ernst, an Iraq War veteran, was interrupted by an attendee who shouted that people would die as a result of cuts to Medicaid proposed by House Republicans. “Well, we’re all going to die,” the senator responded, “so for heaven’s sake.” In the face of swift condemnation from Democrats, Ernst posted a follow-up video that appeared to be recorded in a cemetery and made light of the matter.
The race suddenly appeared a notch more competitive, though Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales currently rates it Solid Republican. Since her comment, several Democrats have announced campaigns against Ernst, including minor league baseball player and state Rep. J.D. Scholten and state Sen. Zach Wahls. (Ernst also faces a challenge from the right from former state Sen. Jim Carlin.)
Read more: https://rollcall.com/2025/06/11/iowa-democrats-midterm-elections/
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