Iowa holds midterm Election Day with governor and Senate races open
The gist
Iowa voters head to the polls Nov. 3 with 498,951 early ballots already received, topping 2018's 497,085.
Both parties are contesting open governor and Senate seats that could decide Congress.
How it unfolded
- Oct 7, 2026Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand held the first debate of the gubernatorial campaign; three more were scheduled before Nov. 3, with the next on Oct. 14 in Sioux City.
- Oct 14, 2026First day of in-person absentee voting in Iowa.
- Oct 19, 2026Deadline at 5 p.m. for mailed absentee ballot requests to reach county auditors' offices.