US Rep. Ashley Hinson announced her Senate run just hours after Joni Ernst said she wouldn’t seek reelection. Republican Jim Carlin called it “orchestrated” – and he’s absolutely right. This is the story of how Iowa’s 2026 election just became the most consequential in years, with open seats creating opportunities up and down the ballot.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker break down the musical chairs of Iowa politics as seats come open across the state.
Toss some bags at Iowa losing research funding… why your congressman is skipping out on town halls… and the musical chairs of 2026 as Iowa’s biggest seats come open…
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. It’s produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 – Ashley Hinson’s 3-Hour Senate Announcement: Orchestrated or Not?
02:30 – Why Republicans Coordinated Ernst’s Retirement and Hinson’s Launch
04:00 – Trump’s Endorsement: The Only One That Matters in GOP Primary
05:30 – Iowa’s 2nd District: From Safe Republican to Wide Open Race
09:30 – Christina Bohannon’s Third Shot at Miller-Meeks
11:00 – Iowa’s 2026 Map: Open Governor, Senate, and House Seats
14:00 – Incumbent vs Open Seat: Which Is Easier for Democrats to Flip?
16:30 – Why 2026 Could Be Like 2018: The Best Democratic Opportunity in Years
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