Who Is Running for Senate in Iowa
Democrat Josh Turek and Republican Ashley Hinson are the major-party nominees for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat on November 3, 2026. Libertarian Thomas Laehn is also on the ballot, and no incumbent is running (Ballotpedia).
Key facts
- The winner serves a six-year term, from January 3, 2027 to January 3, 2033.
- Senator Joni Ernst, first elected in 2014, did not run and endorsed Ashley Hinson on January 10, 2026.
- Through June 30, 2026, Ashley Hinson had raised $10.2 million and Josh Turek $6.3 million (FEC).
- Iowa voters can register at their polling place on Election Day.
Candidates for U.S. Senate in Iowa, November 3, 2026
Source: Ballotpedia, United States Senate election in Iowa, 2026; write-in candidates not listed
Why Iowa’s Senate Seat Is Open
The seat is open because Joni Ernst, a Republican first elected in 2014, is not seeking a third term. She won it in 2020 over Theresa Greenfield, 51.7% to 45.2% (Ballotpedia).
Iowa’s other seat is not on the ballot. Republican Chuck Grassley won it in 2022 over Michael Franken, 56.0% to 43.8%. Our midterm elections explainer covers the other Senate races on November 3.
Iowa Senate Primary Results
Josh Turek won the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026 with 62.6% over Zach Wahls, and Ashley Hinson won the Republican primary with 74% over Jim Carlin. Both results are certified (Ballotpedia).
- 62.6%
- Josh Turek's share of 192,136 Democratic primary votes
- 74%
- Ashley Hinson's share of 206,786 Republican primary votes
Turek and Hinson Records in Public Office
Ashley Hinson has served in Congress since 2021, and Josh Turek has served in the Iowa House since 2023. Ashley Hinson was earlier a state representative and a television reporter at KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids. Josh Turek is a former professional basketball player and Paralympic medalist (Ballotpedia).
Public offices held by Josh Turek and Ashley Hinson
Source: Ballotpedia, United States Senate election in Iowa, 2026
Iowa Senate Campaign Money
Through June 30, 2026, Ashley Hinson‘s campaign had raised $10.2 million and Josh Turek‘s $6.3 million, according to the Federal Election Commission. Ashley Hinson had spent $5.4 million and had $6.7 million on hand; Josh Turek had spent $3.9 million and had $2.4 million on hand (FEC, Hinson; FEC, Turek). The next reports, covering July through September, are due October 15, 2026.
How to Vote for Senate in Iowa
Register by 5 p.m. on October 19, 2026, or register at your polling place on Election Day with ID and proof of where you live. A mailed ballot must reach your county auditor before polls close (Iowa Code 48A.9; 53.17). Check your registration with the Secretary of State’s voter search.
Iowa's 2026 Senate election, step by step
- October 14, 2026 Early voting begins Vote absentee in person at your county auditor's office.
- 5 p.m. on October 19, 2026 Pre-registration and absentee request deadline After this, register at your polling place on Election Day.
- November 3, 2026 Election Day Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m..
- January 3, 2027 The new senator takes office The term runs to January 3, 2033.
Iowa Senate Questions
Who is running for U.S. Senate in Iowa in 2026?
Democrat Josh Turek, a state representative, and Republican Ashley Hinson, a member of Congress. Libertarian Thomas Laehn is also on the ballot. No incumbent is running.
Is Joni Ernst running for re-election?
No. Joni Ernst, first elected in 2014, did not run for a third term and endorsed Ashley Hinson on January 10, 2026.
Who won the 2026 Iowa Senate primaries?
Josh Turek won the Democratic primary with 62.6% over Zach Wahls, and Ashley Hinson won the Republican primary with 74% over Jim Carlin, both on June 2, 2026.
How much have the Iowa Senate candidates raised?
Through June 30, 2026, Ashley Hinson had raised $10.2 million and Josh Turek $6.3 million, according to the Federal Election Commission.
How long is the term for Iowa's 2026 Senate seat?
A full six-year term, from January 3, 2027 to January 3, 2033. Under the 20th Amendment, Senate terms begin and end at noon on January 3.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration with the Secretary of State’s voter search, or plan to register at the polls.
- Vote early starting October 14, 2026, or request a mailed ballot by 5 p.m. on October 19, 2026.
- Read both campaigns’ filings on the Federal Election Commission’s pages for Turek and Hinson.
- Contact your current senators, Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, about the votes coming up in Congress. Our letter-writing guide shows how.
- Read the rest of your ballot: the Iowa governor race is on the same ballot.