Iowa primaries launch open-seat battles after Reynolds and Ernst retire
With Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sen. Joni Ernst retiring, Iowa's 2026 primaries feature open-seat contests for governor, U.S. Senate and several congressional districts. In the GOP Senate race, Ashley Hinson faces Jim Carlin, while Democrats Josh Turek and Zach Wahls vie for the nomination; other GOP hopefuls include Eddie Andrews, Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen, with Feenstra holding Trump's endorsement. Rob Sand is unopposed in the Democratic statewide race. Polls close at 8 p.m. CT; the AP will call winners only when a clear lead exists, and early/absentee voting has begun.