BW INSIGHTS

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

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

Government Relations Update - 6.3.26

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 06.03.2026
Iowa’s Primary Election was held yesterday, June 2, featuring several closely watched contests, including multiple open-seat races and challenges to incumbent legislators. Zach Lahn wins GOP Gubernatorial Primary At the top of the ticket, five Republican candidates competed for their party’s nomination for governor. The race intensified in the... Read More

Government Relations Update - Candidate Fundraising Reports 5.20.26

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 05.22.2026
With the May 19, 2026, state campaign finance disclosure deadline now behind us, the political playing field for Iowa’s high-profile races is taking sharp focus. With only 13 days remaining until the June 2nd primary election — and 167 days until the November 3rd general election — fundraising, capital deployment, and cash-on-hand metrics offer... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 15

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.27.2026
Capitol Update The 100th day of the 2026 legislative session has come and gone, and lawmakers have now entered “overtime.” As a reminder, Iowa does not have a statutory or constitutional adjournment deadline. Instead, the legislature operates under a target adjournment date, after which lawmakers no longer receive per diem payments for lodging and... Read More

2026 Government Relations Legislative Update - Week 14

By Matthew H. McKinney & R.G. Schwarm | 04.20.2026
Capitol Update The 100th day of the 2026 legislative session falls this Tuesday, April 21. However, the legislature is unlikely to meet that target adjournment date as lawmakers continue working through the budget and several outstanding policy bills. While adjournment within the next week remains possible, it is more likely that the session will... Read More

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