The 88-year-old Republican made the announcement on Twitter at 4 o’clock Friday morning, saying “I’m running for re-election—a lot more to do, for Iowa.” It included a gif of Grassley on a morning run.
It’s 4 a.m. in Iowa so I’m running. I do that 6 days a week. Before I start the day I want you to know what Barbara and I have decided.
— Grassley Works (@GrassleyWorks) September 24, 2021
I’m running for re-election—a lot more to do, for Iowa. We ask and will work for your support. Will you join us? #GrassleyRuns #GrassleyWorks pic.twitter.com/cwv8yu9wkx
In a campaign email, Grassley mentioned the balance of power in Congress as part of his reason for returning to the campaign trail.
“Winning Iowa is key to taking back control of the United States Senate," he said. "We need to change course and get America back on track with Republican leadership."
Grassley is one of seven senators who are in their 80s and he says his age is no reason to retire from the Senate. He said earlier this month that he was gauging the opinions of Iowans on the topic.
"It's very difficult to determine because I don't have just a few people say, 'You ought to retire, ' and maybe those are people who want me to retire because they want to elect a Democrat," Grassley said. "I don't know their motives, but I get a lot of people who encourage me to run and say, 'We need your common sense there.' That's very encouraging."
Three Democrats have announced their own bids for the Senate seat. Abby Finkenauer, a former congresswoman who lost her re-election bid last year, is the most high-profile Democratic candidate who has announced they’re running. Democrats Dave Muhlbauer and Glenn Hurst have also announced campaigns.
Republican state Sen. Jim Carlin from Sioux City announced earlier this year that he will run for the seat regardless of Grassley’s decision.
