politics
Iowa Holds Primary Elections Tuesday for Open Senate and Governor Races
Iowa voters will select nominees Tuesday in closed primaries for an open U.S. Senate seat, an open governor’s race, and four House districts. Republicans hold a statewide registration edge, while Democrats target the Senate and governor contests as their strongest opportunities.
May 31, 9:25 AM·1m read1 source
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Iowa voters will select party nominees Tuesday in closed primaries for an open U.S. Senate seat, an open governor’s race, and four House districts. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. local time. Candidates need at least 35 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff or party convention.
The retirement of Sen. Joni Ernst created an open Senate seat. Republicans nominated Rep. Ashley Hinson, who received an endorsement from President Donald Trump and leads former state Sen. Jim Carlin. Democrats are choosing between state Rep. Josh Turek, who received nearly $10 million in support from VoteVets, and state Sen. Zach Wahls.
Gov. Kim Reynolds is not seeking reelection, producing Iowa’s first open governor’s contest in two decades. State Auditor Rob Sand is the only major Democratic candidate. Randy Feenstra viewed as the frontrunner by the Cook Political Report.
Democrats see their best House opportunities in the 1st and 3rd districts, both rated toss-ups. Rep. Mariannett Miller-Meeks faces a rematch against state Rep. Christina Bohannan in the 1st. State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott is the likely Democratic nominee in the 3rd against Rep.
Zach Nunn. The 2nd and 4th districts remain solidly Republican. The Cook Political Report rates the Senate race “Likely R” and the governor’s race a toss-up.
