Iowa GOP incumbents dominate fundraising, but Democrats gain ground in key races

New campaign finance reports show Iowa Republicans holding significant cash advantages in most statewide races, though Democratic challengers are making notable gains in several contests. The fundraising period from May 27 to July 14 saw millions of dollars flow into Iowa's midterm elections, including the attorney general's race.

Attorney General Bird maintains strong lead

Incumbent Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird continues to lead her Democratic opponent, Nate Willems, in fundraising. Bird raised more than $1.96 million during the most recent fundraising period and has more than $6.89 million on hand after expenditures.

Bird's campaign received a major boost from the Republican Attorneys General Association Action Fund in Washington, D.C., with a $1.5 million contribution during the latest reporting period.

Willems raised $1.94 million during the same period, including $1.5 million from the Democratic Attorneys General Association's PAC. After expenditures, Willems has more than $2.67 million on hand, a significant increase from the previous period when he had $875,000 on hand.

Secretary of State Pate trails in fundraising

Republican Secretary of State Paul Pate, who has served in nonconsecutive terms since 1994, is trailing Democratic challenger Ryan Peterman in fundraising. Peterman raised more than $51,200 over the latest reporting period, bringing his cash on hand to more than $166,000 after expenditures.

Pate raised just $2,110 during the fundraising period, bringing his total cash on hand to more than $90,000. Pate has trailed Peterman in funding throughout 2026.

Auditor race sees Democratic challenger outraise lieutenant governor

Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, the Republican candidate for state auditor, is trailing Democratic opponent Taylor Wettach in fundraising. Cournoyer raised more than $144,000 during the latest fundraising period, bringing her total cash on hand to more than $133,000. This marks a substantial increase from the previous period when she had just $3,226 on hand.

Wettach raised more than $272,000 during the most recent reporting period. After expenditures, Wettach has more than $763,000 on hand.

The state auditor contest is for an open seat. It currently is the only statewide office held by a Democrat, Rob Sand, who is running for governor.

Agriculture Secretary Naig leads by wide margin

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig holds a commanding lead over Democratic challenger Chris Jones in cash on hand. Naig raised more than $179,000 during the latest reporting period, bringing his total cash on hand to more than $672,000.

Jones raised $110,000 over the course of the reporting period. After expenditures, Jones has more than $98,500 on hand.

Treasurer Smith leads in fundraising

Iowa Treasurer of State Roby Smith, the incumbent Republican, leads Democratic challenger John Norwood in fundraising efforts. Smith raised more than $149,000 during the latest fundraising period and currently has $358,300 on hand.

Norwood raised more than $56,000 during the reporting period. After expenditures, Norwood has more than $58,000 on hand.

Federal fundraising roundup

In Iowa's U.S. Senate race, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is outpacing state Rep. Josh Turek in total cash on hand, with $6.7 million compared to Turek's $2.3 million. However, for the first time this election cycle, Turek raised more money than Hinson, with $2.8 million in the period compared to Hinson's $2 million. Turek spent more than $1.1 million during the last period, while Hinson spent more than $1.3 million.

According to Fox News' latest election forecast, this U.S. Senate race is considered a toss-up, with a recent Fox News poll showing Turek up by 4 percentage points.

Below are how much Iowa's congressional candidates have on hand, raised and spent in the most recent fundraising period, according to Federal Election Commission documents.