Trump has been back in the White House for a year now, and his standing — more than anything else — will define the mood and the direction of the midterm campaign. Ebersole scores his performance at a 3 out of 5.

Although Nate Willems lags Brenna Bird, he has significantly outpaced the fundraising rate set by previous Democratic Attorney General Tom Miller.

Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand raised about $9.5 million last year, leading the gubernatorial fundraising field.

This year’s midterm elections could draw heightened attention to Iowa because several high-profile seats are open, including the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat and multiple congressional races.

Friday marks the final day potential candidates can file paperwork to run in a special election for a seat on the West Des Moines City Council. The city is holding a special election to fill Democrat Renee Hardman’s vacant At-Large seat.

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The Republican Attorneys General Association donated $1 million to Bird's re-election campaign on New Year's Eve.

Iowa Democrats make case to go early again in 2028 presidential nominating process

Heading into 2026, Iowans currently holding statewide offices are largely leading in campaign fundraising for state positions ahead of the upcoming primary and general elections, according to recent state campaign finance reports — with one exception.

DES MOINES — Iowa Democratic state Sen. Bill Dotzler, of Waterloo, who is currently the longest serving member of the Iowa Senate, will retire after his current term ends in 2027, he announced Wednesday.