Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday in the state's first election since 1968 without an incumbent running for governor or U.S. Senate, with control of the Senate chamber hanging in the balance. Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek are competing to replace retiring two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, while Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand battle for the open governor's seat.
The rare double opening at the top of the ticket has turned reliably red Iowa back into a political battleground, according to
Why Iowa's 2026 Election Is Unusual
According to
What are the top races on Iowa's ballot in 2026?
Iowa's U.S. Senate seat, being vacated by Republican Joni Ernst, and the governor's office, being vacated by Republican Kim Reynolds, are both open. Republican Ashley Hinson faces Democrat Josh Turek in the Senate race, and Republican Zach Lahn faces Democrat Rob Sand in the governor's race.
When was the last time Iowa had no incumbents for governor or Senate?
The 2026 cycle is the first since 1968 in which neither the governor's office nor a U.S. Senate seat had an incumbent seeking reelection,
Who is running to replace Joni Ernst in the Senate?
Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, serving her third term in the U.S. House, is the Republican nominee. Democrat Josh Turek, a two-term state representative and former Paralympian, is the Democratic nominee. Libertarian Thomas Laehn is also on the ballot.
Control of the Senate Could Hinge on Iowa
The open Senate seat is one of several races nationwide that will determine which party controls the chamber after Tuesday. Democrats are working to harness voter frustration over rising prices, the Iran war and tariffs that have disrupted Iowa's agricultural economy.
Republican-aligned groups have poured money into Iowa in the campaign's final weeks to support Hinson. The White House has also kept close attention on the state, with visits from President Donald Trump, Vice President and Cabinet officials throughout the campaign.
Hinson's Campaign Message
Hinson launched her bid on the same day Ernst announced her retirement, and she quickly secured endorsements from Trump and Republican leaders. She initially promised to be Trump's