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2026 U.S. Senate election in Iowa
Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race is for the state’s Class II seat in the U.S. Senate. The seat is open because incumbent Republican Joni Ernst is not seeking re-election, making the contest one of the more closely watched Senate races of the cycle. Ballotpedia rates the race as likely Republican, but the open-seat dynamic and the candidates’ contrasting profiles — including labor, military, and state-legislative backgrounds — give both parties a clear incentive to compete aggressively.
Candidates
Josh Turek is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate and a member of the Iowa House of Representatives. His campaign emphasizes middle-class economics, health care reform, public education, and environmental protection, and he highlights his background as a Paralympic athlete and advocate for people with disabilities.
Zach Wahls is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate and a sitting Iowa state senator. His campaign focuses on affordability, working families, anti-corruption measures, and economic opportunity, and he presents himself as a problem-solving legislator with experience in bipartisan work.
Nathan Sage is a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate who built his campaign around working-class experience, military service, and local economic development. His background includes service in the Marine Corps and Army, work as a mechanic and broadcaster, and leadership at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.
Jim Carlin is a Republican candidate in Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race. He previously served in the Iowa Senate and is running in the Republican primary for the open seat.
Ashley Hinson is a Republican candidate in Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate race and a sitting member of the U.S. House. She entered the Senate contest after Joni Ernst announced she would not seek re-election, bringing a congressional and media background to the race.
Joni Ernst
Joni Ernst is the incumbent Republican U.S. senator from Iowa, but she is not seeking re-election in 2026. Her Senate career and military background have been central to her public profile, and her retirement created the open-seat contest now underway.
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.