Mike Franken

Many Iowans cannot remember a time when Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley did not represent them in Washington. But as he seeks an eighth term, he faces his toughest race yet.

Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley has to fend off his Democratic challenger Mike Franken before he can serve an eighth term in the United States Senate. Voters in Iowa and across the country are seeing fewer U.S. Senate debates this midterm election. Grassley and Franken debated for one hour on Thursday night in Johnston.

River to River host Ben Kieffer and political scientists discuss Biden's criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ongoing efforts to seize Ukrainian territory, allegations against U.S. Senate candidate Michael Franken, the race for Iowa Secretary of State and much more.

A former campaign staffer for Iowa Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Mike Franken alleged in a police report that Franken kissed her on her mouth without her permission in March. Franken denied this, and prosecutors declined to file charges.

Retired Navy Admiral Mike Franken is on the ballot this November running as the Democrat to unseat long-time Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley. Polls have shown Grassley more vulnerable this election than he’s been in the past but the seven-term senator is still favored to win.

Iowa Public Radio and The Gazette in Cedar Rapids combine forces for a night of political commentary about the most important issues shaping our state and nation.