BW INSIGHTS

2026 Iowa Election Night Results

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Daniel J. Wasta | 11.04.2026

Below is our election night results report compiled throughout the evening / morning. The report reflects the Iowa Secretary of State's complete unofficial count, posted at 6:42 a.m. with all 99 counties reporting. Democrats had a strong night at the top of the ballot. Rob Sand won the governor's race by roughly 11 points, Josh Turek won the U.S.... Read More

Election Day in Iowa; Resources For Your Watch Party

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Daniel J. Wasta | 11.03.2026

It's Election Day in Iowa, and for the first time in nearly 60 years, both the governor's office and a U.S. Senate seat are up for grabs. To prepare you for tonight, attached are two resources for your election night watch party. First, our final 2026 Iowa Election Analysis, which has the latest ratings, polls, money, and early-vote numbers.... Read More

Iowa General Election Update: Competitive Races, Early Voting & Campaign Finance

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Daniel J. Wasta | 10.30.2026

With less than two weeks until Election Day, we've updated our analysis of Iowa's most competitive races. It now includes the campaign finance reports filed October 19, the latest public polling, and a first look at early voting. The updated General Election Document covers: Statewide and federal races: Governor, U.S. Senate, and all four... Read More

Iowa's 2027 Legislative Session: The Timetable, the Budget Math, and Related Timing Considerations

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm, Daniel J. Wasta & Tim C. Reilly | 10.27.2026

The 2027 session opens the 92nd Iowa General Assembly with a new governor, many new legislators, committee chairs, and a new two-year bill cycle. For businesses and associations, the calendar is a critical piece of the legislative puzzle. Iowa's deadlines are generally firm, and the budget follows a statutory sequence that starts well before... Read More

October 16, 2026 REC Summary

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Daniel J. Wasta | 10.26.2026

October 16, 2026 REC Summary The Revenue Estimating Conference (“REC”) met Friday (10.16.26) as part of their standard schedule of meetings to estimate future state revenues. REC members Kraig Paulsen (Gov.’s Appointee), Jennifer Acton (LSA), and Jeff Plagge (Public Member) serve on the three-member panel. A summary of the information discussed... Read More

Retirement Plan Amendments: Year-End Deadline Approaching

By Cynthia Boyle Lande & Caleb J. Brus | 10.06.2026

Over the past several years, Congress has made significant changes to the rules governing retirement plans. The CARES Act, SECURE Act, and SECURE 2.0 introduced new plan provisions, expanded existing options, and changed administrative requirements affecting virtually every employer-sponsored retirement plan. Some of these changes have already... Read More

Government Relations Update – 9.29.26

By Matthew H. McKinney, R.G. Schwarm & Daniel J. Wasta | 09.29.2026

After continued speculation (LINK), Governor Reynolds has called a special session of the Iowa Legislature to consider changes to certain economic development incentives. The announcement follows President Trump’s announcement on Monday that Mesabi Metallics intends to invest $15 billion to develop a steel mill in southeast Iowa (LINK). Lawmakers... Read More

Iowa’s New R&D Tax Credit: Two Steps Businesses Should Take Now

By Tim C. Reilly & Christopher L. Nuss | 08.21.2026

Last year, we discussed Iowa’s overhaul of its business tax incentives. Iowa’s new Research and Development Tax Credit is no longer merely claimed but rather will be awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to applicants. Businesses must complete a new certification and annual application process, and the first of these deadlines... Read More

BrownWinick GR Update - 8.3.26

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 08.04.2026

Candidates have posted new fundraising totals, and the financial battleground is taking shape. The November 3 general election is approaching and is now only 92 days away, meaning fundraising totals, spending patterns, and cash on hand figures provide important insight into the competitive landscape. Our government relations team continues to... Read More

Government Relations Update 6.17.26

By R.G. Schwarm, Matthew H. McKinney & Douglas E. Gross | 06.18.2026

With Iowa’s primary elections and state party conventions concluded, the political landscape shifts entirely to the November general election. To help you track key battlegrounds, our team has analyzed the latest June voter registration data. The accompanying chart highlights the most competitive races based on raw registration numbers and... Read More