Only One Contested Race on Carroll County Primary Ballot

Filing deadline passes with few challengers for local offices

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:05am

The filing deadline for candidates running for county elected offices in Carroll County, Iowa has passed, and the field is now set for the June 4 primaries. Only one contested race will appear on the ballot, with two Republicans vying for the District 4 County Supervisor seat. The remaining county offices, including recorder, treasurer, and county attorney, will feature incumbent Republicans as the sole candidates. While no Democrats have filed so far, the county party can still nominate candidates for the November general election.

Why it matters

The lack of contested races in the Carroll County primaries reflects a broader trend of low voter engagement and participation in local elections across the country. This can lead to less accountability and responsiveness from elected officials, as they face little to no opposition. The ability of the Democratic party to still nominate candidates for the general election provides an opportunity for more choice and competition.

The details

The filing deadline for the June 4 Iowa primaries in Carroll County passed on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5 p.m. Only one person, Republican Mary Wittry, filed for the District 2 County Supervisor seat, as the incumbent Mike Andersen chose not to run for reelection. Two Republicans, incumbent Stephanie Hausman and Carroll County Sheriff Ken Pingrey, filed for the District 4 Supervisor seat, creating the lone contested race on the primary ballot. The other county offices of recorder, treasurer, and county attorney will feature the incumbent Republicans, Ashten Wittrock, Lisa Wagner, and Curt Steger, respectively, as the sole candidates.

  • The filing deadline for the June 4 Iowa primaries in Carroll County passed on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Mary Wittry

Candidate for the District 2 Carroll County Board of Supervisors seat.

Mike Andersen

Incumbent District 2 Carroll County Supervisor who is not seeking reelection.

Stephanie Hausman

Incumbent candidate for the District 4 Carroll County Board of Supervisors seat.

Ken Pingrey

Candidate for the District 4 Carroll County Board of Supervisors seat and the current Carroll County Sheriff.

Ashten Wittrock

Incumbent candidate for Carroll County Recorder.

Lisa Wagner

Incumbent candidate for Carroll County Treasurer.

Curt Steger

Incumbent candidate for Carroll County Attorney.

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The takeaway

The lack of contested races in the Carroll County primaries reflects a broader trend of low voter engagement and participation in local elections. This can lead to less accountability and responsiveness from elected officials. However, the ability of the Democratic party to still nominate candidates for the general election provides an opportunity for more choice and competition.