Iowa is more than fields and fairs—it’s a rising force in grassroots organizing. This page is your hub for everything ROD-related in the Hawkeye State. Whether you’re planning your first protest, attending a town hall, or looking to network with fellow freedom fighters, this is where it all begins.
From cornfields to courage—plant your feet, Iowa and rise for change!
“To the wrongs that need resistance, To the right that needs assistance, To the future in the distance, Give yourselves.”
Carrie Chapman Catt, American suffragist, political strategist and visionary leader
This is how democracy WORKS:
Know BEFORE you GO
IOWA – 2026 ELECTION GUIDE
U.S. SENATE – IOWA
INCUMBENT: Senator Joni Ernst (R)
| Name | Party | Incumbent | Voted to Overturn 2020? | OBBB | National Abortion Ban | Jan 6 Commission | Voting Rights Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joni Ernst | R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
CONFIRMED REPUBLICAN CHALLENGERS
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Feenstra | Republican | https://feenstraforgovernor.com/ | – Strengthen border security and immigration enforcement – Reduce federal spending and national debt – Support tax cuts and limit government regulation – Champion Iowa agriculture and family farms – Promote U.S. energy independence – Protect Second Amendment rights – Expand school choice and local control of education |
| Jim Carlin | Republican | https://carlinforussenate.com | – America First – Deportations “top priority” – Trump tarriffs – Pro-farm, Pro-Life – MAGA |
CONFIRMED DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER & RUMORED
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Sage | Democrat | https://www.nathansageforiowa.com | – Universal healthcare – End Citizens United – Reproductive rights – Voting access – Gerrymandering reform |
| J.D. Scholten | Democrat | https://www.scholtenforiowa.com/ | – Protect and expand access to healthcare – Support family farmers and rural communities – Address climate change through sustainable agriculture – Promote economic policies that benefit working-class Iowans – Advocate for campaign finance reform and reduce corporate influence in politics |
| Zach Wahl | Democrat | https://zachwahls.com/ | – Lower costs for families, including healthcare and childcare – Strengthen democracy and voting rights – Address climate change with clean energy solutions – Support public education and affordable higher education – Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion |
Why Consider Voting for Nathan Sage
Nathan Sage is a Marine and Army veteran who served three tours in Iraq. He grew up in a trailer park in Mason City, Iowa, and understands the financial struggles of working-class families. As the executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, he focuses on economic development and supporting local businesses. Sage is running for U.S. Senate to represent the working class and address issues such as raising the federal minimum wage, lowering healthcare costs, and making life more affordable for families.
Why Consider Voting for J.D. Scholten
J.D. Scholten is a Democratic state representative from Sioux City and a former professional baseball player. He is running for U.S. Senate to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Scholten emphasizes a populist platform focused on healthcare access, support for rural communities, and reducing corporate influence in politics. His campaign is built on grassroots support and aims to address the needs of working-class Iowans.
Why Consider Voting for Zach Wahls
Zach Wahls is a Democratic state senator from Coralville and a former Senate Minority Leader. He is running for U.S. Senate to unseat incumbent Senator Joni Ernst. Wahls advocates for policies that aim to lower costs for families, strengthen democracy, and address climate change through clean energy solutions. His campaign focuses on supporting public education, affordable higher education, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
U.S. HOUSE – IOWA
IA-01
INCUMBENT: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R)
| Name | Party | Incumbent | Voted to Overturn 2020? | OBBB | National Abortion Ban | Jan 6 Commission | Voting Rights Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariannette Miller-Meeks | R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
CONFIRMED REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER
| David Pautsch | Republican | https://pautschforcongress.com | – Conservative fiscal policies – Restrict immigration – Pro-life stance – Support Second Amendment rights – Reduce federal regulations |
CONFIRMED DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Terrell | Democrat | https://www.facebook.com/terrellforcongress/ | – Fighting for healthcare – Fair wages – A government that serves you, not billionaires – No corporate PACs |
| Christina Bohannan | Democrat | https://christinabohannan.com | – Protect reproductive rights – Lower healthcare costs – Expand access to education – Address climate change – Support labor unions |
| Bob Krause | Democrat | https://krauseforcongress.com | – Veterans’ healthcare reform – Economic development in rural areas – Campaign finance reform – Strengthen Social Security – Support family farmers |
| Taylor Wettach | Democrat | https://taylorwettach.com | – Affordable healthcare for all – Protect civil rights – Improve infrastructure – Support small businesses – Strengthen education systems |
Why consider voting for Travis Terrell
Voters might consider Travis Terrell over Mariannette Miller-Meeks if they want a representative focused on affordable healthcare, grassroots values, and progressive reforms. A working-class healthcare professional, Terrell supports capping hospital costs, eliminating medical debt, and taxing ultra-wealth to fund care—offering a sharp contrast to Miller-Meeks’ record and GOP alignment.
Why Consider Voting for Christina Bohannan
Christina Bohannan is a law professor and former state legislator focused on protecting reproductive rights and expanding affordable healthcare. She advocates for education reform and addressing climate change, aiming to promote policies that benefit working families and protect individual freedoms.
Why Consider Voting for Bob Krause
Bob Krause is dedicated to reforming veterans’ healthcare and supporting rural economic development. His campaign emphasizes campaign finance reform, strengthening Social Security, and backing family farmers, offering a strong voice for Iowa’s working-class and rural communities.
Why Consider Voting for Taylor Wettach
Taylor Wettach champions affordable healthcare for all and protection of civil rights. He focuses on improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and strengthening education systems to help Iowa families thrive and ensure equitable opportunities across the district.
IA-02
INCUMBENT: Rep. Ashley Hinson (R)
| Name | Party | Incumbent | Voted to Overturn 2020? | OBBB | National Abortion Ban | Jan 6 Commission | Voting Rights Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Hinson | R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
CONFIRMED DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat Dropped out 6/30/2025 | – – Fight to protect Social Security and Medicare – Make health care more accessible and affordable – Strengthen the middle class | ||
| Kathy Dolter | Democrat | kathydolter.com | -Affordable healthcare access – Support for veterans – Invest in education and workforce development – Protect Social Security and Medicare – Promote rural economic development |
Why Consider Voting for Kathy Dolter
Kathy Dolter brings extensive healthcare and military experience to the race, promising practical solutions to improve rural healthcare and support Iowa families. Unlike the incumbent, she focuses on protecting vital social programs, strengthening education, and investing in rural economic growth. Kathy aims to be a responsive leader who prioritizes the needs of her constituents over partisan politics.
CONFIRMED INDEPENDENT CHALLENGER
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jody Puffet | Independent | (not available at this time) | – Prioritize domestic spending over foreign aid – Reduce Congressional spending and cut waste – Require single‑subject bills for transparency – Advocate for term limits in government – Support legal immigration with better vetting |
Why Consider Voting for Jody Puffett
Jody Puffett, running as an Independent, emphasizes fiscal responsibility by prioritizing domestic spending and reducing Congressional waste. She advocates for greater government transparency through single-subject bills and supports term limits to foster accountability. Puffett also backs legal immigration with enhanced vetting, focusing on pragmatic reforms aimed at efficiency and accountability in governance.
IA-03
INCUMBENT: Rep. Zach Nunn (R)
| Name | Party | Incumbent | Voted to Overturn 2020? | OBBB | National Abortion Ban | Jan 6 Commission | Voting Rights Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Nunn* | R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
*Rumored Governor run, meeting at the White House to discuss it – MAGA supported
CONFIRMED DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Trone Garriott | Democrat | https://sarahforiowa.com/ | – Affordable healthcare – Mental health programs – Support for public schools – Paid family leave – Quality childcare – Reproductive rights |
| Jennifer Konfrst | Democrat | (no official site found) | – Affordable healthcare access – Support for education funding – Address concerns of underrepresented Iowans – Promote economic growth – Advocate for workers’ rights |
Why Consider Voting for a Democratic Challenger
Nunn has a strongly MAGA-aligned voting record. This district has a history of competitiveness and is open to a strong pro-democracy candidate. He is currently heading to kiss the ring to be the MAGA candidate.
Why Consider Sarah Trone Garriott
Sarah Trone Garriott has a proven track record of winning in competitive districts, flipping two Republican-held Iowa Senate seats. As a Lutheran minister and nonprofit leader, she focuses on lowering costs for Iowans and protecting Social Security and Medicaid. Her campaign emphasizes standing up for working families and ensuring that the government stays out of personal health care decisions.
Why Consider Voting for Jennifer Konfrst
Jennifer Konfrst brings strong leadership experience as Iowa’s former House Minority Leader. She focuses on affordable healthcare, education, and economic growth that benefits everyday Iowans. Unlike the incumbent, she aims to represent voices that feel unheard and push for policies that support working families and workers’ rights.
IA-04
INCUMBENT: Rep. Randy Feenstra (R)
| Name | Party | Incumbent | Voted to Overturn 2020? | OBBB | National Abortion Ban | Jan 6 Commission | Voting Rights Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Feenstra | R | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
OTHER CONFIRMED REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Windschitl | Republican | N/A | – Pro‑gun rights – Border security – Anti‑abortion – Tax cuts |
| Republican | N/A | – Strengthen ag economy – Rural economic development | |
| Kyle Larsen | Republican | N/A | – “Faith, Family, Farm” – Lower costs – Protect seniors – Repeal estate/death tax |
CONFIRMED DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGER
| Name | Party | Website | Key Platform Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat Dropped out 7/17/2025 | – Defend democracy – Reproductive rights – Climate policy | ||
| Ashely Wolf-Tornabane | Democrat | ActBlue | – Protect democracy – Decrease billionaire power in politics -Empower family farmers – Fund education – Advocate for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized populations – Create a feasible pathway to citizenship for our immigrant neighbors – Fight for a living minimum wage -Healthcare for all |
Why Consider Voting for Ashley Wolf-Tornabane
Randy Feenstra is expected to vacate Iowa’s 4th District seat to run for governor, making this a rare open seat in 2026. Ashley Wolf‑Tornabane brings a community‑driven, grassroots vision focused on rural revitalization, universal healthcare, strengthening family farms, and curbing billionaire influence in politics — aiming to give working Iowans a real voice in Congress.