DES MOINES, Iowa —

Iowa’s 2026 midterm election is already shaping up to be one of the busiest in state history — more than a year before voters head to the polls.

The governor, one U.S. Senator, and at least one member of Congress are not running for reelection. Congressman Randy Feenstra is also expected to run for governor instead of re-election, which would also turn Iowa's fourth congressional district into an open race.

This many high-profile seats opening at the same time is almost unheard of in Iowa politics, and it’s fueling a wave of candidates already hitting the campaign trail.

Republican strategist Eric Woolson says the rare opportunity is a major factor.

“Seats don’t come open that often here in Iowa as we’ve seen from Chuck Grassley, as we’ve seen from past governors,”

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