One listing tracks Iowa races to watch in 2026. The opening stretch also includes coverage of the governor's race and Iowa Senate District 23.
Election headlines lead the lineup
The first items include "Here are the 2026 election races to watch in Iowa" and "Lahn, Sand aggressively sweep across Iowa after first governor debate." Other listings preview Kansas Gov. speaking about Zach Lahn during a visit with Rob Sand. They cover the positions of candidates in Iowa Senate District 23, as well as the Democratic and Republican candidates for Iowa State Auditor.
The governor's race opened after Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds decided not to seek another term. Sand ran unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Lahn won a five-candidate Republican contest, defeating favorite Randy Feenstra. After the Oct. 6 debate, both remained candidates for November. Four televised debates were planned, with the next scheduled for Oct. 14 in Sioux City, according to an Iowa debate schedule report.
According to the latest campaign finance report available at the time, Sand had spent about $19 million during the current election cycle and had roughly $18 million in cash on hand. The report covered July.
The listings name races and candidates, but provide no further reporting or details about their positions. Separately, the RealClearPolitics polling average as of Oct. 5 showed Sand ahead by about seven percentage points. The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball both rated the race as favorable to the Democrat, according to a campaign and polling report.
An Emerson College/The Hill poll published Oct. 9 put Rob Sand at 49% and Zach Lahn at 45% among respondents. In the same poll, Republican Ashley Hinson led Democrat Josh Turek in the open race for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat.
Football and local features round out the page
High school football gets two entries. One looks at whose stock improved most in Week 7; a video covers changes in the Week 8 rankings.
The dining coverage follows Gwen Page at Whatcha Smokin? in Luther. A separate photo gallery features Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew.
Drake basketball has a story about a senior transfer from Utah. Another reports head coach Eric Henderson's comments on transfer portal additions.
