WATCH: What’s dividing Iowa Republicans
Iowa Republicans openly argued on the Senate floor this week over carbon pipelines.
Iowa Republicans openly argued on the Senate floor this week over carbon pipelines.
On this solo episode of Cornhole Champions, host Zachary Oren Smith breaks down State Auditor Rob Sand's historic campaign launch for Iowa governor. After entering the race with an impressive $8 million war chest, Sand's campaign reported an additional $2.25 million raised in just 24 hours — breaking state records for the most raised on the first day of any gubernatorial campaign in Iowa history.
Then, Zach sits down with Nico Agosta, a 25-year-old TikTok creator behind the viral "Stocking the Capitol" series. Nico grades the financial integrity of every member of Congress before the 2026 midterms, exposing stock trading and corporate influence through engaging social media content that makes campaign finance accessible.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line where we throw bags at the state's biggest stories. This show is created by Zachary Oren Smith with music by Avery Mossman. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
Guests:
Rob Sand is Iowa's State Auditor. He’s running to be the Democratic nominee in Iowa’s 2026 governor’s race.
Nico Agosta is the creator of "Stocking the Capitol," a series that grades members of Congress on their financial integrity and stock trading practices.
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCXN791Qw5opBRLyvTWYl43w
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
- PocketCasts - https://pca.st/74atty1j
... and everywhere you listen to podcasts
*Follow Zachary Oren Smith on social media:*
- Twitter - https://x.com/zacharyos
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zacharyosmith
- Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/zacharyos.bsky.social
- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@zachosmith
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyos/
*Follow Iowa Starting Line on social media:*
-Twitter - https://twitter.com/iastartingline
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IowaStartingLine
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@iowastartingline
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iowastartingline
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCXN791Qw5opBRLyvTWYl43w
These are incredibly important times. At a Tuesday town hall in Cedar Rapids, Pete Buttigieg prompted Iowans to do their part to meet them.
At a Cedar Rapids town hall, Pete Buttigieg encouraged Democrats to earnestly engage in political conversations.
Immigrants deserve better.
Rob Sand is running for governor. He says electing a Democrat would be an important check on one-party power in Iowa.
Stand up. Speak up. Come together.
Former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg spoke to a crowd of Iowans Tuesday at a Cedar Rapids town hall about what our current political moment can mean for future generations.
So who's running against Sandy Salmon in 2026?
Our very own Amie Rivers shares the Iowa good news you didn't know you needed.
Public dollars for private water pollution 😅