What to know about Iowa’s primary elections as Democrats try to mount a comeback

Published May 31, 2026 9:25am ET | Updated May 31, 2026 9:44am ET



Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that have become one of Democrats’ key focuses in their bid to claw back power in a state that once helped launch former President Barack Obama to the White House but has since become a Republican stronghold. 

While Republicans still hold an advantage in Iowa, Democrats see openings in a competitive governor’s race, an open Senate seat, and two battleground congressional districts that could help determine control of Congress next year. 

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