Iowa Voters Choose Senate and Governor Candidates in Key Primaries

Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that could influence the state’s political direction in the 2024 midterms. State Sen. Zach Wahls and state Rep. Josh Turek are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. Meanwhile, Rob Sand, Iowa’s state auditor and the last Democrat holding statewide office, is running unopposed in the Democratic primary for governor, while multiple Republicans are competing for their party’s nomination.

Wahls and Turek share progressive views but differ in backgrounds and campaign strategies. Wahls gained national attention at 19 with a viral speech defending gay marriage and represents a deep-blue district in Johnson County. Turek, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who uses a wheelchair, flipped a traditionally Republican state House seat by six votes in 2020 and expanded his margin in 2022. He emphasizes his ability to win in conservative areas.

“This is about electability, and on that, I don’t think there is much of a comparison,” Turek said. “There’s something specific about my story and background and résumé that has this unique ability to win over independents and moderate Republicans.” Wahls has criticized Turek’s ties to Democratic establishment figures, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the influence of millions in dark money supporting Turek. Wahls said, “If you want to have a hope and a prayer, a shot at winning this race in November, if you think it is going to be easier to do that with the candidate who refuses to distance himself from Democrats in DC, than [with] somebody who is willing to be honest with voters about the failures of Democratic party leaders, you know, I think you made a fundamental error in your calculation.”

Endorsements are divided: Senator Elizabeth Warren and former Congressman Dave Loebsack back Wahls, while former Senator Tom Harkin and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg support Turek, along with four sitting U.S. senators.

Rob Sand’s gubernatorial campaign has drawn attention amid dissatisfaction with Republican leadership. Sand, who often criticizes the two-party system, has highlighted Iowa’s economic struggles and rising cancer rates. While Sand is unopposed in the Democratic primary, several Republicans, including Congressman Randy Feenstra and farmer-businessman Zach Lahn, are competing in their primary. In April, the Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the governor’s race from “leans Republican” to “toss-up.”

“I think this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to be able to win here in Iowa. I mean, this is a state that has completely hit the bottom,” said Turek.

Republicans are preparing for a tough fight. The Senate Leadership Fund, a major GOP super PAC, has committed $29 million to defend the Senate seat. Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who won her southeast Iowa district by about 800 votes in 2022 after a six-vote victory in 2020, is considered vulnerable, facing a strong challenge from Democrat Christina Bohannan. Bohannan said, “Thousands and thousands of Trump voters voted for me last cycle because I went out and met them where they are,” emphasizing her cross-party appeal.

Iowa played a pivotal role in Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential victory, but since then, Republicans have solidified control, holding the governor’s office since 2011, both Senate seats since 2015, and all House seats since 2023. With Trump’s approval rating underwater and economic pressures mounting, Democrats see potential openings in the November elections.

The outcomes of Tuesday’s primaries will set the stage for intense campaigning in a state that could be crucial for control of both the U.S. House and Senate. Republican Ashley Hinson runs unopposed in her primary for the U.S. House seat and has former President Trump’s endorsement.