Question 1

Who should I vote for in Iowa in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Vote for the candidate with the strongest record. This page scores 11 Iowa races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House and statewide office on the Ballot Standard, 15 qualities of character, qualifications and performance from public records and established reporting, and names the candidate who scores highest in each. Evidence checked October 6, 2026.

Question 2

Who should I vote for in Iowa Senate?

Accepted Answer

Ashley Hinson has the strongest record in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. Ashley Hinson scores 64 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Thomas Laehn at 58 and Josh Turek at 56, as of October 6, 2026. Ashley Hinson's highest marks are relevant experience and results. Thomas Laehn's highest marks are roots in the constituency and relevant experience. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 3

Who should I vote for in Iowa Governor?

Accepted Answer

Rob Sand has the strongest record in the Iowa governor's race. Rob Sand scores 69 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Zach Lahn at 58, as of October 6, 2026. Rob Sand's highest marks are accountability and relevant experience. Zach Lahn's highest marks are command of the job and communication. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 4

Who should I vote for in Iowa Attorney General?

Accepted Answer

Brenna Bird has the strongest record in the Iowa attorney general race. Brenna Bird scores 66 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Nate Willems at 64, as of October 6, 2026. Brenna Bird's highest marks are command of the job and relevant experience. Nate Willems's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 5

Who should I vote for in Iowa Secretary of State?

Accepted Answer

Paul Pate has the strongest record in the Iowa secretary of state race. Paul Pate scores 60 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, as of October 6, 2026. Paul Pate's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Ryan Peterman (7 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 6

Who should I vote for in Iowa Auditor of State?

Accepted Answer

Chris Cournoyer has the strongest record in the Iowa auditor of state race. Chris Cournoyer scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, as of October 6, 2026. Chris Cournoyer's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Taylor Wettach (5 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 7

Who should I vote for in Iowa Treasurer of State?

Accepted Answer

Roby Smith has the strongest record in the Iowa treasurer of state race. Roby Smith scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of John Norwood at 63, as of October 6, 2026. Roby Smith's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. John Norwood's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 8

Who should I vote for in Iowa Secretary of Agriculture?

Accepted Answer

Mike Naig has the strongest record in the Iowa secretary of agriculture race. Mike Naig scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, as of October 6, 2026. Mike Naig's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Chris Jones (7 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 9

Who should I vote for in IA-01?

Accepted Answer

Mariannette Miller-Meeks has the strongest record in Iowa's 1st Congressional District. Mariannette Miller-Meeks scores 66 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Christina Bohannan at 58, as of October 6, 2026. Mariannette Miller-Meeks's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Christina Bohannan's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Michael Bridgford (7 of 15 criteria) has too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 10

Who should I vote for in IA-02?

Accepted Answer

Joe Mitchell has the strongest record in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Joe Mitchell scores 61 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Lindsay James at 55, as of October 6, 2026. Joe Mitchell's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Lindsay James's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Dave Bushaw (6 of 15 criteria) and Rick Stewart (5 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 11

Who should I vote for in IA-03?

Accepted Answer

Zach Nunn has the strongest record in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. Zach Nunn scores 66 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Sarah Trone Garriott at 61, as of October 6, 2026. Zach Nunn's highest marks are relevant experience and coalition building. Sarah Trone Garriott's highest marks are relevant experience and command of the job. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Question 12

Who should I vote for in IA-04?

Accepted Answer

Dave Dawson has the strongest record in Iowa's 4th Congressional District. Dave Dawson scores 67 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Chris McGowan at 53, as of October 6, 2026. Dave Dawson's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Chris McGowan's highest marks are roots in the constituency. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.

Who should I vote for in Iowa?

U.S. Senate, Iowa

Governor of Iowa

Attorney General of Iowa

Secretary of State of Iowa

Auditor of State of Iowa

Treasurer of State of Iowa

Secretary of Agriculture of Iowa

U.S. House, Iowa 1st Congressional District

U.S. House, Iowa 2nd Congressional District

U.S. House, Iowa 3rd Congressional District

U.S. House, Iowa 4th Congressional District