NEW RANKING: IA GOV Top 2 Flip Opportunity for Democrats in 2026

DES MOINES – New race ratings from the nonpartisan National Journal’s Gubernatorial Power Rankings name Iowa the second-best pickup opportunity for Democrats in 2026, putting it among the top five governors races most likely to flip — up from seventh place in November.

National Journal: “The four other qualified Republican candidates have attacked [Randy] Feenstra for skipping debates and forums, and he has yet to lock down the Trump endorsement. This race will be all about hyperlocal issues. Under Gov. Kim Reynolds, the state faces a nearly $1.4 billion budget deficit and is ranked dead last for economic growth … Democrats see this as one of their best flip opportunities.”

Iowa’s two-spot jump is the latest indication that the governor’s race is a toss-up thanks to Reynolds and a decade of one-party rule crushing Iowa’s economy, failing our schools, and making it harder to get health care, which Feenstra, Adam Steen, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, and Eddie Andrews are all running to continue — not to mention the wide-open and messy GOP primary splintering Republicans.

From Iowa Democratic Party spokesperson Terra Hernandez:

“Iowa Republicans are uniquely vulnerable because Kim Reynolds and a decade of one-party rule have crushed the economy, failed our schools, and made it harder to get health care. Iowans are ready for change, but Randy Feenstra, Adam Steen, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman, and Eddie Andrews would only continue Reynolds’ record of corruption and failure that puts powerful insiders first and working families last. Between now and June, Republicans will remain locked in a nasty, crowded primary that reminds Iowans why they’re all too extreme to be governor — and we won’t let voters forget it.”

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