Iowa GOP fears midterm wipeout
The gist
Iowa Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump six weeks before Election Day.
The state's all-GOP delegation is at risk as forecasters rate key races toss-ups.
How it unfolded
- Sep 16, 2026Sabato's Crystal Ball moves Iowa's 2nd Congressional District race to a toss-up, citing Iowa as a potential problem for Republicans.
- Sep 18, 2026Vice President JD Vance rallies Iowa Republicans in Council Bluffs, touting Trump's trade and tax policies; Senate candidate Ashley Hinson skips the event, citing scheduling conflicts.
- Sep 22, 2026Iowa Republicans including Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn publicly distance themselves from Trump, with Miller-Meeks calling to suspend the gas tax and Nunn pushing a biofuel bill.