Zachary Oren Smith is your friendly neighborhood reporter. He leads Starting Line’s political coverage where he investigates corruption, housing affordability and the future of work. For nearly a decade, he’s written award-winning stories for Iowa Public Radio, The Des Moines Register and Iowa City Press-Citizen. Send your tips on hard news and good food to zach@iowastartingline.com.
Zachary Oren Smith
Latest from Zachary Oren Smith
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Democrat Rob Sand launches 2026 bid for Iowa Governor
Iowa’s lone statewide Democrat has launched his bid for governor. He says state government isn’t working, and it’s time to rotate the crops. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand formally launched his campaign for governor on Monday, positioning himself as a Democrat who can bridge partisan divides in an increasingly Republican-dominated state. “People love this state.…
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Pete Buttigieg heads to Iowa for May town hall
A progressive veterans group will host Pete Buttigieg for a Cedar Rapids town hall this month to discuss the impact the Trump administration’s policies and DOGE cuts are having on our nation’s veterans. Former US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg will take the stage in Iowa this month to discuss the impact federal cuts are…
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Inside Miller-Meeks’ million dollar haul: Washington D.C. donors, PAC money
The race for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District is shaping up to be the most competitive in 2026. And US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ first quarter fundraising gives her plenty to celebrate, thanks largely to PACs and out-of-state money. Less than 8% came from Iowa donors. US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks — the victor of not one but…
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Immigrant rights group claims Iowa workers’ civil rights were violated in traffic stop
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa and community members from the Iowa City Catholic Worker filed a complaint with the state, alleging an Iowa State Trooper violated the civil rights of seven Latino construction workers during an April traffic stop. The complaint demands the state clarify its own requirements of law enforcement conducting immigration actions. Seven Latino…
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Trump to restart collection on defaulted student loans, raising concerns for Iowa borrowers
With millions of borrowers at risk and wage garnishments set to begin this summer, women and minority borrowers stand to lose the most as the Trump administration ends five years of student loan collection mercy. Student loan borrowers who have fallen behind on payments face a harsh new reality starting next month as the Trump…
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A look at the Democratic contenders considering a run against US Sen. Joni Ernst
The road to 2026 couldn’t have higher stakes. The Democrats considering a run are among Iowa’s heaviest-hitting (pun intended) members of the Iowa Legislature. Here’s a look at what they’re bringing to the table. As Iowa’s political landscape takes shape ahead of the 2026 election cycle, prominent Democratic legislators have emerged as potential challengers to…
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Attorney Kevin Techau to take on Hinson for seat in Congress
Former US Attorney Kevin Techau is running to represent northeastern Iowa. He will take on incumbent Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson. Former US Attorney Kevin Techau announced his candidacy for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District on Thursday. As of this week, he is the sole Democrat who’s announced a run against Republican US Rep. Ashley Hinson. …
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Knoxville chamber director joins race against US Sen. Joni Ernst
Some important names in Iowa Democratic politics are mulling a run against US Sen. Joni Ernst. This week, a newcomer became the first to announce his bid. Iowa Democrats’ race to unseat Republican US Sen. Joni Ernst is taking shape about a year and a half before Election Day. Knoxville’s Nathan Sage announced this week…
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Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will not run for reelection in 2026
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has led the state for a decade, but has now made the surprise decision to not seek a third term in 2026. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced Friday that she will not seek a third term in 2026, bringing an end to what will be nearly a decade as the state’s…
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University of Iowa students have visas revoked by Trump administration
The University of Iowa confirmed that students have had their visa unexpectedly revoked as part of the Trump administration’s nationwide crackdown on international students. University officials say they “were not aware of any violation.” The graduate student union is calling it “blatant authoritarianism designed to terrorize international students.” At least two University of Iowa students…
