The vacancy emerged after Sen. Joni Ernst announced last September that she would decline to seek a third term in office. Trump-backed two-term representative Ashley Hinson is attempting to maintain the seat against Democratic challenger Josh Turek, a state representative and two-time Paralympian who defeated Zach Wahls in the primary. Although Trump carried the state by 13 points in the 2024 presidential contest, tariffs and agricultural challenges have tightened the race. A Democratic victory would mark the party's first Senate win in the state since 2008.
Key points
Democrats are aiming to capture their first Iowa Senate victory since their last win in 2…: Democrats are aiming to capture their first Iowa Senate victory since their last win in 2008.
Growing strain on the agricultural economy and tariffs have transformed the midterm race…: Growing strain on the agricultural economy and tariffs have transformed the midterm race into a competitive contest.
State representative and two-time Paralympian Josh Turek serves as the first permanently…: State representative and two-time Paralympian Josh Turek serves as the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature.
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Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/live-results-iowa-senate-midterm-election Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Live Results: Iowa Senate midterm election Politics Nov 3, 2026 5:00 AM EST WATCH LIVE: Election night 2026 PBS News special coverage Voters in Iowa are choosing Sen. Joni Ernst's replacement after the Republican lawmaker announced last September that she would not seek a third term. U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, a two-term GOP congresswoman with President Donald Trump's endorsement, is the establishment favorite. State Rep. Josh Turek, a two-time Paralympian and the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature, beat state Sen. Zach Wahls in the Democratic primary. Stand with free and independent journalism. Join Press Pass from PBS News Trump carried Iowa by 13 points in the 2024 presidential election, and Democrats haven't won a Senate race there since 2008, but farm-economy strain and tariffs have made the state competitive. -- Matt Loffman A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
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