State Newsmakers
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Rob Sand’s governor campaign raises $2.25 million in first 24 hours
Rob Sand reports recordbreaking fundraising in the first 24 hours of his campaign for governor. Rob Sand entered the Iowa governor’s race Monday with an impressive $8 million war chest. And today, his campaign reports that it saw another $2 million pour in on his first day as a candidate. “For too long, Iowa families…
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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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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 House Democrats propose worker relief package amid Iowa economic headwinds
Iowa House Democrats unveiled a series of legislative proposals aimed at supporting working families as the state faces economic headwinds, including recent layoffs of 780 workers in Decorah and Amana. Iowa has seen major layoffs this week that have put at least 780 people out of work. As these workers look for what’s next, the…
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Top House Democrat predicts Miller-Meeks will lose in 2026
National Democrats see an opportunity to flip Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and take congressional control away from the Trump administration. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries recently took aim at US Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, predicting her defeat in the upcoming election cycle while highlighting Democratic momentum following a recent special election victory in the…
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Iowa school cancels African American Read-In, 1619 Freedom School steps in
Waterloo Schools pulled out of an event focused on promoting Black literacy over fears of losing federal funding under Trump’s new anti-DEI directives. In response, the 1619 Freedom School is stepping in to host its own event this Saturday. In a move that has drawn statewide attention, the Waterloo Community School District recently withdrew from…
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Iowa Legislators advance bill to put free menstrual products in schools
A House Republican bill advanced that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products to students. The bill has bipartisan support, but the state won’t reimburse schools after three years. Legislation is advancing in Iowa this year that would require public schools to provide free menstrual products in at least half of school restrooms…
