Each Iowa legislative district that had a special election in 2025 swung at least 10 points toward Democrats. Will that continue in 2026's midterms?

This year’s midterm elections could draw heightened attention to Iowa because several high-profile seats are open, including the governor’s office, a U.S. Senate seat and multiple congressional races.

Six special elections in 2025 slightly altered the 91st General Assembly with flipped seats and historic firsts. The election of Renee Hardman is the latest. The Iowa State

Democrat Renee Hardman beat Republican Lucas Loftin by more than 40 percentage points in a special election Tuesday night. Hardman's win makes her the state's first Black female state senator.