Iowa U.S. Senate 2026
A sourced guide to the major-party nominees, ballot context and where official voting and results information will appear. This is not an endorsement or a forecast.
The major-party nominees
Election Day: November 3, 2026 · Open seat · Other candidates may be on the ballot
Josh Turek
Listed as a Democratic general-election nominee by the cited race or voter guide.
Ashley Hinson
Listed as a Republican general-election nominee by the cited race or voter guide.
The 2026 ballot also includes Thomas Laehn (Libertarian).
Race background
Rep. Ashley Hinson and state Rep. Josh Turek are the Republican and Democratic nominees for the seat held by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst. The University of Iowa voter guide also lists Thomas Laehn as the Libertarian candidate.
What to watch on November 3
Iowa polls normally close at 8 p.m. Central (9 p.m. Eastern) on Election Day. County tabulation and canvassing are separate from media projections.
Reading a race call: Preliminary totals are unofficial. Media projections must name the projecting outlet; certification comes from authorized election officials.
Sources and election resources
Nominee and contextual information checked October 26, 2026. Follow these primary and independent resources to confirm changes after this review date.
Related coverage
ElectionTracker analysis of this race (check the article date) · Election-week update log · Official voting tools.
Any ballot or nomination change after October 26 should be checked against the state election authority before being reflected on this page.