Target Race Launch: DLCC Announces Slate of Targets in Iowa

With a competitive governor’s race at the top of the ticket, building Democratic power in the legislature is more important than ever

WASHINGTON—Today, the DLCC announced 15 Target Races in Iowa that will determine whether Democrats can gain ground to break Republicans’ supermajority in the Iowa House, after smashing their Senate supermajority in special elections last year in a clear sign of Democratic enthusiasm.  Democrats need to flip just one seat to end the House supermajority and protect the veto power of a potential new Democratic governor. For the past decade, the Iowa GOP used their trifecta to implement the worst of the MAGA agenda, including a six-week abortion ban and attacks on other civil rights, and Iowans are ready for a change.

The DLCC is working directly with the Iowa House and Senate caucuses and Target Race candidates to deliver support and resources for data, research, polling, paid communication, and direct voter contact. 2026 is a historic opportunity to shift the balance of power across the country and expand Democratic power in Iowa. With less than 100 days until Election Day, the DLCC has the Target Map and strategy to meet this moment.

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee President Heather Williams issued the following statement:

“Iowans deserve legislators who believe that government should be used to better lives, not to strip the people of their rights. The tide is turning in the Hawkeye State. Last year, the DLCC helped Iowa Democrats flip two seats in special elections to break the Senate supermajority, and now, we’re coming for the House. With a competitive governor’s race at the top of the ticket, we have an opportunity to build Democratic power and ensure an incoming Democratic governor can veto the worst of the MAGA agenda. 2026 is a historic opportunity to remake the power dynamics in Iowa, and the DLCC is proud to support this strong slate of candidates every step of the way through November.”

The DLCC’s slate of Target Races in Iowa is:

House:

• Shawn Olorundami (HD-1)
• Tom Walton (HD-28)
• Heather Sievers (HD-40)
• Molly Buck (HD-41)
• Amy Tagliareni (HD-42)
• Jill Alesch (HD-43)
• Mandy Newton Rosenow (HD-46)
• Mike Tupper (HD-52)
• Jacob Welper (HD-59)
• Matt Robinson (HD-72)
• Dan Gosa (HD-81)
• Andrew Fitzgerald (HD-98)
• Jennifer Kirkman (HD-99)

Senate:

• Tom Wieck (SD-41)
• Nikhil Wagle (SD-47)

This builds on the slate of Target Races in the Iowa Senate announced earlier this year: 

• Catelin Drey (SD-1)
• Heather Matson (SD-21)
• Mike Zimmer (SD-35)

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) leads the national strategy to secure Democratic power in our state legislatures. We are the campaign arm for more than 3,000 state legislators and thousands of candidates across all 50 states who are advancing Democratic values and standing up to the dangerous MAGA agenda every single day. Over the last decade, our work has flipped 10 new chamber majorities. Those new majorities have ensured Democrats in state legislatures are positioned to protect our democracy and fundamental rights, while addressing the high cost of living and advancing opportunities. The DLCC’s national strategy and target map continue to pinpoint the most efficient paths to Democratic power across all 50 states. 

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