Politics Day

Democrat Renee Hardman became the first Black woman to be elected to the Iowa Senate after winning a special election in the Des Moines area to replace the late Sen. Claire Celsi. Republicans saw the district as an opportunity to regain their supermajority, but Hardman had a decisive win in the historically blue district. On this politics day edition of 'River to River,' political experts Megan Goldberg and Rachel Caufield dissect this election, as well as reflect on the biggest political moments of 2025.

Two Iowa National Guard soldiers were killed in Syria, the first American casualties there since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Wayne Moyer break down what it means. Plus, Iowa politics including U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ role in the House GOP health care debate and a new Republican challenger in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. We also touch on campaign shakeups in the 4th District and other key political developments.

Political analysts Megan Goldberg and Kelly Shaw break down why Iowa’s delegation waited for Trump’s approval before voting to release the Epstein files — plus insight on support for ACA subsidies, Texas redistricting, the farm bill and more.

What do this week’s election results tell us about the mood of voters — and what’s ahead for 2026? Plus, where blame lands in the ongoing shutdown.

Analysis from political experts Rachel Caufield of Drake University and Dave Peterson from Iowa State University on the latest news.

Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparks new debates over free speech in Iowa and across the country.

Trump endorses Rep. Ashley Hinson for Senate, Reynolds’ trade mission to India and more analysis of U.S. politics.

Does Iowa's special election results give indication for the 2026 midterms?

Candidates enter and exit the Iowa races for 2026. Today, a look at the shifting primary field with analysis from professor Jim McCormick of Iowa State University.

Analysis from political scientists on the summit between Trump and Putin, Trump's expansion of federal authority over Washington, D.C., and more