Iowa Senate

If Democrats want to turn Iowa Senate competitive, the best bets are Zach Wahls or Josh Turek — and an emergent figure like Catelin Drey could be a wild card who genuinely forces the GOP to spend and defend in a state that’s still persuadable.

Here’s a Democracy.Ninja–style shortlist of real Democrats who could plausibly make the 2026 Iowa Senate race competitive against Ashley Hinson — whether they are already running or could be drafted:

✅ 1) Zach Wahls — State Senator (Declared)

✔ Who he is: Iowa State Senator from the 43rd district and former Senate Minority Leader.
✔ Why he fits the state:

• Known statewide and respected beyond the Democratic base

• Good communicator with an emphasis on practical issues

• Prior elected experience, not just messaging
  ✔ Why he’s competitive:

• Can appeal to independents and moderates if the race focuses on economics, healthcare, and public school issues

• Already raised respectable funds relative to Iowa norms

Verdict: A natural fit for Iowa — already in the race and structurally the best Democratic nominee so far.

✅ 2) Josh Turek — State Representative (Declared)

✔ Who he is: State Rep. and two-time Paralympian, running in the Democratic Senate primary.
✔ Why he fits the state:

• Strong working-class credibility

• Can speak directly to economic fairness, jobs, and rural concerns

• Appeals to small-town voters and union households
  ✔ Why he’s competitive:

• Offers a different lane from Wahls with an emphasis on experience and heart

• Could consolidate working-class voters who are otherwise open to change

Verdict: A serious contender and a pragmatic contrast to typical Washington-style Democrats.

🔥 3) Catelin Drey — Iowa State Senator (Draft Target)

✔ Who she is: Iowa State Senator who just flipped a deeply conservative district and helped break the Republican supermajority in the state Senate.
✔ Why she fits Iowa:

• Grassroots pedigree and authentic narrative

• Proven ability to win in Trump-leaning territory

• Appeals to suburban, rural, and parent-focused voters
  ✔ Why she’s competitive:

• Her recent special election victory margin (55–44) shows cross-coalition appeal

• Can message economic frustration + pragmatic solutions in a way others struggle to match

Draft Case: She isn’t currently running for Senate, but her profile checks every box for a candidate who could genuinely pressure Hinson — especially in Southwest Iowa and beyond.

🔥 4) Liz Mathis — State Senator and Past House Nominee (Draft Target)

✔ Who she is: Long-time Iowa state senator and former Democratic House nominee in a tough district (lost to Hinson in 2022).
✔ Why she fits:

• Deep statewide experience

• Familiar to voters across regions

• Has already run statewide and built networks
  ✔ Why she’s competitive:

• Bridges urban/suburban/rural concerns

• Can talk economics, education, and small-town investment with credibility

Draft Case: Her background combines political experience with recognizable leadership — a profile that plays well in general elections against a strong GOP candidate.

🔥 5) Angel Ramirez — Emerging Young Leader (Wildcard)

✔ Who she is: Young Democratic state representative and first Latina elected to the Iowa House.
✔ Why she fits:

• Represents new generation, diverse, energetic profile

• Could mobilize younger voters and communities not normally engaged in statewide races
  ✔ Why she’s competitive:

• Messaging around inclusion, economic opportunity, and modern Iowa identity could peel off moderates

• A strong youth economy + equity narrative always forces Republicans to react

Draft Case: If early polling shows a desire for generational change, she could give Democrats momentum and visibility.

Not a Realistic Sleeper (Right Now)

• Abby Finkenauer and Michael Franken — both ran competitive Senate bids in the past but have declined major statewide runs in 2026 and are not currently in the field.

• Theresa Greenfield is unlikely to run again after the 2020 loss, and has not resurfaced for 2026.

Democracy.Ninja Take

Top three candidates who could realistically beat Hinson

1. Zach Wahls — Already in the race, strongest statewide profile

2. Josh Turek — Best working-class narrative and broad appeal

3. Catelin Drey — Draft target with proven ability to win in tough districts

Why this matters: Iowa is often treated as permanently red, but recent Democratic special-election wins show the electorate is open to candidates who feel like Iowans, not Washington proxies.