Iowa Senate Candidate Opposes Ground Troops in Iran

Jim Carlin supports US strikes but doesn't want prolonged war

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:39pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of the Iowa State Capitol building in Des Moines, the warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the grand neoclassical architecture, evoking a sense of quiet contemplation around the state's political debates.The Iowa State Capitol stands alone, a symbol of the state's political landscape as candidates debate the future of US involvement overseas.Des Moines Today

Jim Carlin, a former state senator and 2026 candidate for the U.S. Senate in Iowa, said he supports the decision for the United States and Israel to launch military strikes on Iran but does not want to see a drawn-out war like previous involvement with Iraq. Carlin, an Army veteran and attorney, believes Iran posed a security threat due to its wish for nuclear weapons, but he does not want to see President Donald Trump authorize US troops on the ground in Iran.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict with Iran is a major foreign policy issue in the 2026 Iowa Senate race, with candidates staking out different positions on the use of military force. Carlin's stance against ground troops could differentiate him from other candidates and appeal to voters wary of prolonged Middle East entanglements.

The details

The US and Israel began military strikes on Iran on February 28th, resulting in at least 13 US troop deaths and several hundred injuries. The war is estimated to cost American taxpayers $1-2 billion per day. Carlin, who is running against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson and two Democrats in the June 2nd primary, believes Iran posed a security threat but does not want to see a repeat of the Iraq war.

  • The US and Israel began military strikes on Iran on February 28th.
  • The June 2nd primary will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the Iowa Senate race.

The players

Jim Carlin

A former state senator who is running for the U.S. Senate in Iowa in 2026. Carlin is an Army veteran and attorney from Sioux City.

Ashley Hinson

A Republican U.S. Representative from Marion, Iowa who is running against Carlin in the June 2nd primary.

Josh Turek

A Democratic state Representative from Council Bluffs who is also running for the U.S. Senate.

Zach Wahls

A Democratic state Senator from Coralville who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Joni Ernst

The current Republican U.S. Senator from Red Oak, Iowa who is not running for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“I support the decision for the United States and Israel to launch military strikes on Iran but I do not want to see a drawn out war like previous involvement with Iraq.”

— Jim Carlin, U.S. Senate Candidate

What’s next

The June 2nd primary will determine the Republican and Democratic nominees for the Iowa Senate race, where Carlin's stance on Iran will likely be a key issue.

The takeaway

Carlin's opposition to ground troops in Iran could appeal to Iowa voters wary of prolonged Middle East conflicts, differentiating him from other candidates in the crowded Senate race.