By Rebecca Schweitzer | Des Moines, Iowa
Rebecca Schweitzer is a Des Moines, Iowa writer covering politics, public accountability, and the civic decisions that shape everyday life for Iowa families. She lives in Polk County and believes that showing up informed is the most important thing a voter can do.
As a Des Moines based writer, Rebecca Schweitzer covers Iowa politics and civic life because the races closest to home carry the most direct impact on your daily life.
This guide is intended as a general informational overview of selected races affecting Polk County and Des Moines voters. Voters should confirm ballot details directly with the Polk County Election Office.
The Iowa primary is Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Early voting at the Polk County Election Office at 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines begins May 13. The last day to request an absentee ballot is May 18 at 5 p.m. The ballot drop box opens May 14 and is available 24 hours a day.
Why This Primary Matters
As I wrote in my piece on why local elections matter more than you think in Iowa, the officials elected closest to home have the most direct power over your daily life. That is especially true this cycle. Governor Kim Reynolds is not running for reelection. Iowa's U.S. Senate seat is open for the first time in decades. And Polk County has competitive races for supervisor, county attorney, treasurer, and recorder that will shape local services and accountability for years to come.
No one is elected at a primary. But the winner of each contest automatically goes on the November 3 general election ballot. Who you choose in June determines who you get to choose from in November.
The Statewide Races on Your Polk County Ballot
Iowa Governor
This is the most open Iowa governor's race since 2006. On the Democratic side, Rob Sand is the candidate. Sand is Iowa's current State Auditor and has spent years holding state government accountable. He is the only Democrat in the race.
On the Republican side, five candidates are competing: Eddie Andrews, a Polk County state representative; Randy Feenstra, who represents Iowa's 4th Congressional District; Zach Lahn, a farmer and business owner; Brad Sherman, a former state representative; and Adam Steen, former director of the Department of Administrative Services.
U.S. Senate
Iowa's Senate seat is wide open after Joni Ernst announced she would not seek reelection. Two Democrats are competing in the primary. Zach Wahls is a former Iowa State Senator who gained national attention testifying about growing up with two moms during the 2011 marriage equality debate. Josh Turek is a current Iowa House member and the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature. Both have focused on education, healthcare, and economic opportunity for working families.
U.S. House District 3
Sarah Trone Garriott is the Democratic candidate for Iowa's Third Congressional District, which covers much of the Des Moines metro including most of Polk County.
Other Statewide Democratic Candidates
Taylor Wettach for State Auditor. Nate Willems for Attorney General. John Norwood for State Treasurer. Chris Jones for Secretary of Agriculture. Ryan Peterman for Secretary of State.
The Polk County Races
These races receive the least attention and are often decided by the smallest margins. They also have the most direct impact on Des Moines and Polk County families.
Polk County Attorney
Kimberly Graham is the Democratic candidate. The county attorney oversees criminal prosecution and plays a direct role in how justice is administered across Polk County.
Polk County Supervisor District 1
Two Democrats are competing. Matt McCoy and John Forbes are both running for this seat. Polk County supervisors set the county budget and oversee county services that affect every resident in Des Moines and Polk County.
Polk County Supervisor District 4
Joe Gatto and Heather Jones-Brown are both running for this seat.
Polk County Supervisor District 5
Izaah Knox is the Democratic candidate.
Polk County Treasurer
Mary Wells is the Democratic candidate.
Polk County Recorder
Lisa Chiodo and Luisita McBurney are both competing for this seat.
Iowa State Legislative Races in Polk County
Polk County covers a significant number of Iowa House and Senate districts. Democratic candidates running in Polk County House races include Brian Meyer for HD-29, Megan Srinivas for HD-30, Mary Madison for HD-31, Mike Jones for HD-32, and four candidates competing in HD-33: Blake Clyde, Ivette Muhammad, Randolph Scott, and Cody Smith.
Additional House races include Rob Johnson for HD-34, Sean Bagniewski for HD-35, Austin Baeth for HD-36, Nate Boulton for HD-39, Heather Sievers for HD-40, Molly Buck for HD-41, Amy Tagliareni for HD-42, Jill Alesch for HD-43, Larry McBurney for HD-44, Kendra Haug for HD-45, and three candidates for HD-46: Annie Craven, Erin Helleso, and Mandy Newton Rosenow.
Iowa Senate races in Polk County include Tony Bisignano for SD-15, Samy El-Baroudi and Grace Van Cleave for SD-17, Heather Matson for SD-21, and Tony Thompson for SD-23.
What Iowa Voters Should Do Before June 2
Look up your sample ballot before election day. The Polk County Election Office allows you to search your exact ballot by address at polkcountyiowa.gov. Your ballot will be specific to your precinct and your party registration.
Research the candidates in your specific races using the campaign links above. If there is a forum or debate in your area before June 2, attend it or watch it online.
If you are not registered or need to change your party affiliation, you can do so at your polling location on election day or when you request an absentee ballot.
Early voting begins May 13 at 2309 Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. Absentee ballot requests must be received by May 18 at 5 p.m.
Primary turnout in Iowa is low. That means your vote carries more weight here than in almost any other election. The decisions being made at every level of Iowa government have real consequences for Des Moines and Polk County families. The people making those decisions are chosen in races like these.
Know your candidates. Make a plan. Show up on June 2.
About Rebecca Schweitzer and Her Work in Iowa
Rebecca Schweitzer is a Des Moines, Iowa writer covering politics, education, and public accountability. Her work analyzes state policy, elections, and issues impacting Iowa families across Des Moines, Polk County, and communities throughout Iowa. Her work has appeared in the Des Moines Register and The Gazette.
Read more at iowaraisedrebeccaschweitzerunfiltered.com and follow along on Medium, Substack, X, Bluesky, About.me, Muck Rack, and Gravatar.
