Iowa
Electoral Votes: 6
Population: 3,238,387
2024 Turnout: 70.8%
2020 Turnout: 72.9%
Cook PVI: R+6
Senate Rating: Solid R
Governor Rating: Solid R
Federal Government:
Senate
| Chuck Grassley (R) | Joni Ernst* (R) |
House
| Mariannette Miller-Meeks* (R) | Iowa’s 1st |
| Zach Nunn* (R) | Iowa’s 2nd |
| Randy Feenstra* (R) | Iowa’s 3rd |
| Tracey Mann* (R) | Iowa’s 4th |
(* indicates seat up election in 2026)
State Government:
| Governor | Kim Reynolds* (R) |
| Chamber | Majority | Minority |
| State Senate | 33R* | 17D* |
| State House | 67R* | 33D* |
(* indicates seat up for election in 2026)
A Short Overview
Iowa has shifted from a classic swing state to a Republican-leaning state over the past decade, with the GOP holding the governorship, legislature, and most federal offices. However, its political history of ticket-splitting and strong retail campaigning culture means Democrats still see it as potentially competitive under the right conditions. Economic concerns like farm policy, ethanol subsidies, rural healthcare, and population decline dominate political debate. Suburban areas around Des Moines have become more politically competitive, creating one of the few growth opportunities for Democrats. Heading into the 2026 midterms, Republicans have a clear advantage, but Iowa retains an underlying swing-state DNA that keeps some races worth watching and Democrats hopeful.
