News · IA
Team mix-up drives viral moment at Jack Smith hearing
EducationSen. Eric Schmitt accused Jack Smith of lying under oath after confusing the Iowa Hawkeyes with the Atlanta Hawks.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
Editors · Policy and legislation
The Ballot Iowa Policy Desk
Legislation, budgets and ballot measures in Iowa
The Policy Desk covers the bills, budgets and ballot measures moving through Iowa, explained in plain language and sourced from public records.
26 stories published
News · IA
Iowa governor signs higher incentive cap for steel plant
Economy and jobsThe new law raises the tax-incentive ceiling connected to a steel plant valued at billion.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskOct 4, 2026
News · IA
Right-wing figures object to Indian role in Iowa steel plant
Economy and jobsTrump announced a billion Iowa steel plant as the White House highlighted plans for 1,750 jobs.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskOct 1, 2026
News · IA
Iowa 2026 page pairs races with presidential history
Elections and votingThe Iowa election page combines a broad look at 2026 races with historical presidential results but identifies no specific contest or candidate.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 27, 2026
Candidate profile · IA
Candidate profile: Randall Feenstra in Iowa’s 4th District
Elections and votingRepublican incumbent Randall Feenstra is one of 12 candidates in Iowa’s contested 4th District race in 2026.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 25, 2026
News · IA
Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit over 2024 Iowa poll
Elections and votingThe case followed Trump’s claims that an Iowa poll was inaccurate and deliberately designed to hurt him politically.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 24, 2026
News · IA
Zach Lahn calls for cutting Iowa’s gas tax in half
Economy and jobsLahn says a 50% reduction in Iowa’s gas tax would ease fuel costs, with key implementation and budget details still to be set.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 17, 2026
Candidate profile · IA
Candidate profile: Ashley Hinson Arenholz in Iowa's 2nd
Elections and votingRepublican incumbent Ashley Hinson Arenholz is one of 12 candidates listed in Iowa's contested 2026 race for the 2nd Congressional District.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 16, 2026
News · IA
Distribution of Iowa Meta Settlement Funds Announced
Elections and votingAn announcement addresses the distribution of Iowa funds from a settlement involving Meta, with no election or candidate directly connected.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 15, 2026
Candidate profile · IA
Candidate profile: Grant D Hill in Iowa’s 1st District
Elections and votingRepublican Grant D Hill is running in the contested 2026 general election for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskSep 11, 2026
News · IA
Iowa Democrats weigh a working-class appeal
Elections and votingThe state party can test messages and organizing choices, but a national shift would require clear action and evidence that voters respond.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskAug 31, 2026
Race preview · IA
Who is running for U.S. Senate in Iowa in 2026?
Elections and votingTwelve candidates across three parties are in Iowa’s contested U.S. Senate race, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
The Ballot Iowa Policy DeskAug 26, 2026