Iowa's Water Crisis Could Sway 2026 Midterm Elections

Voters in key congressional districts prioritize clean water, reshaping the political landscape.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Iowa's water crisis, marked by high nitrate levels from agricultural runoff, is emerging as a major political issue ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. A new survey shows that 85% of voters in two key congressional districts prioritize clean water, potentially reshaping the political landscape. The crisis is linked to public health concerns, with Iowa having the second-highest cancer rate in the U.S. Both Republican incumbents in the 1st and 3rd districts recently voted for the PERMIT Act, which limits the scope of the Clean Water Act, drawing criticism from environmental groups.

Why it matters

The water crisis in Iowa has become a national political flashpoint, with the issue potentially tipping the scales in the battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrats see an opportunity to flip the 1st and 3rd congressional districts, currently held by Republicans, by capitalizing on voter concerns over clean water and public health.

The details

The Central Iowa Source Water Research Assessment attributes 80% of all nitrates in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers to agricultural fertilizers. Despite decades of the state's Nutrient Reduction Strategy, which relies on voluntary conservation practices, nitrate levels continue to rise, suggesting that voluntary measures alone are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Both Republican incumbents, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, have faced criticism for their votes in favor of the PERMIT Act, which limits the scope of the Clean Water Act and allows for the unregulated discharge of certain pollutants.

  • The 2026 midterm elections are scheduled for November 5, 2026.

The players

Mariannette Miller-Meeks

The Republican incumbent in Iowa's 1st congressional district, who narrowly won reelection in 2024 and will face a rematch with Democrat Christina Bohannan.

Zach Nunn

The Republican incumbent in Iowa's 3rd congressional district, who won his seat with 52% of the vote in a district where elevated nitrate levels in drinking water are straining treatment facilities.

Christina Bohannan

The Democratic challenger in Iowa's 1st congressional district, who will face off against incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a rematch.

Austin Baeth

An Iowa state representative and physician who believes improving water quality is a 'winning issue,' but acknowledges the political challenges of pushing for more stringent regulations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.