The Iowa State Fair once again provided the perfect backdrop for politics, food, and plenty of speculation about Iowa’s future leadership. In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson unpack the buzz around the Iowa Secretary of State straw poll results, highlighting what they reveal about voter sentiment heading into 2026. From Governor Reynolds’ enduring influence to the early positioning of would-be successors, the episode explores the dynamics shaping Iowa’s conservative movement.

But it’s not just Republicans in the spotlight. Iowa Democrats used the fair to test new talking points, particularly in rural communities, shifting toward centrist or more populist rhetoric. The hosts examine whether this change is genuine or simply a political strategy to reconnect with voters who have overwhelmingly embraced conservative policies in recent years.

The episode closes with a discussion on media coverage, political messaging, and how taxpayers must remain vigilant against attempts to mask higher spending behind clever campaign slogans. The fair may be about butter cows and pork chops on a stick, but as always, it’s also about who will carry Iowa’s conservative banner into the next election cycle.