States Win Iowa Candidates Slate

Molly Buck is a mom, educator, and colon cancer survivor who previously represented House District 41 in the Iowa House. This race is one of the most consequential in Iowa because a victory here would directly break the Republican supermajority in the State House, fundamentally shifting the balance of power in the chamber. House District 41 is highly competitive, with recent elections decided by razor-thin margins and a rapidly changing suburban electorate in the Des Moines metro area. Molly previously held this seat, demonstrating that it is winnable for Democrats, and her 2024 loss only underscores how close this district remains. Flipping it back would restore a critical check on one-party control, giving Democrats the ability to block extreme legislation and reintroduce balance and accountability to the legislature. In a cycle where only a small number of seats can determine whether Republicans maintain unchecked power, this race stands out as a must-win.

Senator Catelin Drey is a dedicated community advocate and working mother who is deeply rooted in Iowa’s civic life. She is now seeking re-election to Iowa’s State Senate District 1 after winning a hard-fought special election with the support of States Win. Democrats’ victory in the Iowa Senate District 1 special election was a crucial breakthrough: it broke Republicans’ veto-proof supermajority in the chamber and ensured that Democrats could block the governor’s most extreme judicial and agency appointments in 2026. But the work isn’t over. We must defend this seat in the next regular election to keep Republicans from reclaiming unchecked power—and to protect the veto pen of a future Democratic governor. Our double-digit overperformance in the special election proves that with smart investments and strong mobilization, these races are not only winnable—they’re essential to building progressive power.

Representative Heather Matson is the Democratic candidate for Iowa State Senate District 21, and brings more than two decades of experience in public policy, advocacy, and community leadership. Iowa State Senate District 21 is a key battleground seat that will play a role in shaping the balance of power in the state legislature. With Republicans currently holding control, competitive districts like this one are critical opportunities to expand Democratic representation and push back on policies that impact public education, health care access, and individual rights.

WHY IOWA

Iowa is shaping up to be a major political battleground in 2026. There is an open governor’s race with a strong Democratic contender, an open U.S. Senate seat, and competitive House seats in play. If Democrats can sustain turnout and build on special election gains, they could transform what has historically been a red state into a critical battleground across races up and down the ticket.

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