Everything to know about Iowa primary candidates before you vote

Iowa voters are entering the final weeks before primary elections on June 2, 2026, with early and absentee voting having begun on May 13, 2026. In-person and mail-in voting options are now available for residents preparing to cast ballots in federal, state, and local contests.

To assist voters in the Des Moines metro area, the Des Moines Register has published a series of candidate questionnaires. These documents provide insights into the positions of individuals running for various offices, including federal seats, statewide positions, and local roles in the Iowa Senate, Iowa House, Polk County, and Dallas County.

Candidate Issues and Policy Focus

The questionnaires issued to candidates focus on several primary issues currently affecting the United States, the state of Iowa, and local municipalities. Candidates have been asked to detail their platforms regarding the following topics:

• Water quality and cancer rates
• Health care access
• Tariffs and high costs of living
• The use of eminent domain

These issues are central to the campaigns across multiple levels of government, with specific emphasis on how candidates intend to assist their communities through their proposed policies.

Federal Election Landscapes

The race for the U.S. Senate in Iowa features a Democratic primary where the party is choosing between two candidates described as fighters. Fundraising data indicates that Hinson currently leads in Iowa Senate fundraising, while candidates Turek and Wahls are reported to be neck and neck.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic candidates have outraised Republican incumbents in two key races. The contests are divided across four congressional districts, each with distinct dynamics:

• 1st Congressional District: This race features challenges coming from both the left and the right.
• 2nd Congressional District: Candidates are currently competing for the seat in this district.
• 3rd Congressional District: Candidates Nunn and Trone Garriott have focused their discourse on the issues of tariffs and immigration.
• 4th Congressional District: Democratic candidates in this race are facing long odds.

Statewide and Local Contests

The Iowa governor primary is heavily centered on themes of education, cancer rates, and water quality. Within the Republican Party, a recent debate highlighted divisions over abortion, pipelines, and taxes.

Beyond the governor’s race, the primary cycle includes numerous contests for the Iowa Senate and Iowa House. Localized elections are also taking place within Polk County and Dallas County, where voters will decide on leadership for their immediate communities.

The Des Moines Register continues to publish additional questionnaires as they become available to provide further transparency regarding candidate positions before the June 2 election date.