Iowa Legislature

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.

A special election to fill former state Sen. Claire Celsi's seat could help Republicans regain the supermajority they lost in August. Democratic candidate Renee Hardman and Republican candidate Lucas Loftin are running for the vacant seat in Senate District 16.

Iowa’s new Senate majority leader is working on a bill aimed at addressing concerns about the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. Landowners who oppose carbon pipelines say his proposal won't protect their property rights.

Former governor and ambassador Terry Branstad was honored with the state's highest award for citizens on Thursday. Branstad is the country's longest serving governor in U.S. history.

A special election on Tuesday features two candidates from the same small town in northwest Iowa. The outcome could be an indicator of political sentiment in rural Iowa after recent contests in the state — and across the country — have favored Democratic candidates.

Political scientists preview two statehouse special elections happening this December. Experts Jim McCormick and Rachel Caufield also discuss the latest candidate forums, health care tax credits and former Gov. Terry Branstad's upcoming award on this Politics Day edition of River to River.

The Polk County Board of Supervisors voted to support a network of water quality sensors in rivers and streams across Iowa. They hope other counties will follow suit to prevent a funding cliff next year.

Iowa and other states have recently passed laws that aim to help small, local pharmacies stay open. Also, a University of Iowa professor has launched an app to help first responders communicate with patients who are nonverbal or don't speak English.

Iowa’s Area Education Agencies are more stable than last year, but they still face uncertainty now that the law that shifted some of their funding to school districts has fully phased in. AEA and school district leaders said they continue to see a difference in how the law is affecting small and large school districts.

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver will step down from his leadership position and will not seek reelection in 2026, he announced Tuesday, citing treatment for a brain tumor and his busy family life.