Democrats Have Targeted Two Iowa Senate Races

The DLCC added two open state senate districts to its electoral target list ahead of the November election.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Elections

Democrats Have Targeted Two Iowa Senate Races

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The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has added Iowa Senate District 11 and District 23 to its list of targeted races for the upcoming general election. These efforts aim to boost Democratic representation in the state legislature.

Why it matters

The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee directs resources and support to specific candidates to gain seats in the state Senate. Expanding the party's presence remains a priority following the loss of the Republican supermajority in 2025.

Republicans currently hold 33 seats compared to 17 held by Democrats in the Iowa Senate. The state party lost its two-thirds supermajority in 2025.

The players

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee

This organization is a national group dedicated to electing Democrats to state legislatures across the country.

Tony Thompson

He is a candidate seeking the open Iowa Senate District 23 seat.

Wes Enos

He is running against Tony Thompson in the race for the Iowa Senate District 23 seat.

Sinikka Waugh

She is a candidate for the open Iowa Senate District 11 position.

Hollie Arlene Zajicek

She is the opposing candidate in the District 11 state senate race.

The details

In District 23, Tony Thompson faces Wes Enos for the seat left vacant by the retirement of Jack Whitver. Meanwhile, Sinikka Waugh and Hollie Arlene Zajicek are competing for the open District 11 seat following the death of Julian Garrett.

Republicans lost two seats in special elections during 2025.
Senator Julian Garrett died in June 2026.
The DLCC announced its target list additions on September 18, 2026.
The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

Political Context

The loss of the Republican supermajority in 2025 serves as the catalyst for the current committee's strategic pivot to target open seats. The party's efforts follow the pattern established by the 2025 shifts that ended the GOP supermajority.

The increased attention on these districts will likely lead to more campaign activity and political advertisements in Polk, Warren, and Marion counties. Residents should expect heightened outreach as both parties compete for control in these open legislative races.

The takeaway

Voters in District 11 and District 23 will play a critical role in determining the final partisan balance of the state Senate. Keeping track of candidate platforms and local debates can help citizens prepare for the November general election.