Jacob Rubashkin and Brianne Pfannenstiel of The Des Moines Register break down the key Iowa races including Republican Senator Joni Ernst’s fight for re-election, the race for the open governorship left behind by Republican Kim Reynolds and multiple competitive House races where Republican incumbents Zach Nunn, Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller Meeks are all trying to hang on for another term.

Twitter profiles:

@jacobrubashkin

@brianneDMR

@InsideElections

The Inside Elections podcast analyzes congressional, presidential and gubernatorial races in a nonpartisan, data-driven, and accessible way. With a combination of reporting and data, Inside Elections brings valuable context to complex races. Go to InsideElections.com to subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter through individual subscriptions and group packages that are tailored for association and corporate PACs.

Referenced articles:

Zach Nunn will run for reelection to Congress, not governor [Des Moines Register]

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2025/07/11/zach-nunn-to-run-for-reelection-to-congress-not-governor-trump-happy/84681457007/

Iowa 1: Third Time’s a Charm? [Inside Elections]

https://www.insideelections.com/news/article/iowa-1-third-times-a-charm

2026 House Race Ratings [Inside Elections]

https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/house/2026-house-ratings-june-30-2025

2026 Senate Race Ratings [Inside Elections]

https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/senate/2026-senate-ratings-june-29-2025

Inside Elections death metal shirts [Dashery]

https://inside-elections.dashery.com/