Iowa Bar Association Published Judicial Reviews
The association released performance ratings for state judges ahead of upcoming retention elections.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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The Iowa State Bar Association has published its 2026 performance evaluations for trial and appellate judges. These ratings, compiled from attorney surveys, serve as a guide for voters ahead of the November 2026 retention elections.
Why it matters
The review system is designed to assess whether judges maintain the merit and professional qualifications required for their positions. By providing this information, the association aims to help the public make informed decisions about judicial retention.
The evaluations utilize a 1 to 5 numerical scale based on attorney ratings of legal knowledge and courtroom demeanor. This process supports the constitutional framework for judicial retention elections that has been in place since 1962.
The players
Iowa State Bar Association
This is a professional organization representing lawyers practicing in the state of Iowa.
The details
Attorneys assess judges based on their firsthand courtroom experience and professional observations to calculate final performance scores. These findings are used to determine if a judge meets the necessary qualifications for their ongoing tenure on the bench.
Timeline
Iowa adopted judicial retention elections in 1962.
Iowa voters will participate in judicial retention elections in November 2026.
Legal Context
The use of attorney-led performance reviews follows a long-standing practice intended to provide transparency in the state's merit-based judicial system. Unlike states that utilize partisan elections, Iowa's model relies on these periodic assessments to inform voters about a judge's performance.
These reviews offer residents a transparent metric to evaluate the efficacy and demeanor of judges serving in their local districts. Voters can use these professional assessments to make informed choices at the ballot box during the upcoming retention elections.
The takeaway
Voters should consult the published performance reviews to understand the professional reputation of the judges on their ballot. Taking time to review these ratings helps ensure that the state judiciary remains accountable to the public it serves.
What happens next
Iowa voters will participate in judicial retention elections during the general election held in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's judicial oversight process on the Criminal Justice section page.
More information
View the complete Iowa State Bar judicial review results to see detailed judge performance data.
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