Iowa

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R) leads a very busy Iowa ballot.  The Senator, seeking an eighth term at age 89, is in a closer battle than he usually finds, this time against retired Navy Admiral Michael Franken (D).  Late polling suggests that Sen. Grassley will still win a comfortable, but not overwhelming victory, meaning he is likely to win in the 50s instead of his customary 60s.  Conversely, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) looks to be cruising to re-election and is expected to easily win a second full term.

In the state’s four congressional districts, three are highly competitive.  In new District 1, freshman Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Marion/Cedar Rapids) is favored for a second term against state Sen. Liz Mathis (D-Hiawatha).  Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Ottumwa), who was a six-vote winner in 2020, looks to be favored over state Rep. Christina Bohannan (D-Iowa City) by more than her previous victory margin, but this contest will still be close in a historically competitive southeastern Iowa district.

The 3rd District battle may be the most competitive within this trio of races.  Rep. Cindy Axne (D-Des Moines) is running for a third term having never achieved majority support.  State Sen. Zach Nunn (R-Bondurant) is one of the Republicans’ better challenge candidates, and certainly has a strong chance of unseating the Congresswoman.  This race will draw national attention on election night.