SENATE RACE
Iowa
CANDIDATES
Zach Wahls
Democrat · Challenger
42.0%
538
vs.
Ashley Hinson
Republican · Challenger
50.1%
538
State Sen. Zach Wahls, who gained national attention as a marriage equality advocate, challenges Rep. Ashley Hinson for Iowa's open seat (Grassley retiring). Iowa has trended sharply red, but Wahls's focus on farm economics, tariff damage, and rural broadband targets the working-class voters who once made Iowa a swing state. Hinson runs as a Trump-aligned conservative emphasizing border security and tax cuts. The Iran war's tariff compounding effects on Iowa agriculture could scramble the race.
OUTSIDE SPENDING
Pro-D $1.8M
Pro-R $2.2M
Low investment reflects Likely R rating; D groups may escalate if polls tighten
RECENT POLLS
| Pollster | Date | D% | R% | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Register/Selzer | 2026-03-15 | 42 | 51 | R+9 |
| Emerson | 2026-02-28 | 43 | 49 | R+6 |
| PPP | 2026-02-10 | 41 | 50 | R+9 |
KEY ISSUES
| Issue / Topic | Democrat | Republican |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Farm subsidies reform, rural broadband | Market freedom, reduce regulations |
| Economy | Working-class wages, healthcare costs | Tax cuts, energy independence |
| Trade | Tariff relief for farmers, fair trade | Tough on China, protect agriculture |
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
Zach Wahls
- Raised
- $3.8M
- Spent
- $1.9M
- Cash on Hand
- $2.1M
- Small Donors
- 55%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $0.5M
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
Ashley Hinson
- Raised
- $7.5M
- Spent
- $4.2M
- Cash on Hand
- $3.6M
- Small Donors
- 22%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $3.4M
DEMOGRAPHICS · CENSUS
- Population
- 3.2M
- Median Household Income
- $65,573
- White Non-Hispanic
- 83.5%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic / Latino
- 7.0%
- College Educated (25+)
- 29.6%
- Union Membership
- 8.2%
ELECTION INFO
- Election Date
- November 3, 2026
- Primary Date
- June 2, 2026
- Term Length
- 6 years (Class II)
- Voter Registration Deadline
- October 24, 2026 (Election Day registration available)
- Early Voting
- Yes, October 5 - November 2, 2026