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Indianola Today
By the People, for the People
Democrat Nathan Sage suspends campaign for US Senate
Sage cites inability to raise necessary funds to keep grassroots campaign viable
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Democrat Nathan Sage of Indianola, Iowa has announced he is suspending his campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat. Sage was the first Democrat to officially declare his candidacy in April 2025, but said he was unable to raise the financial resources necessary to keep his grassroots campaign viable. The field of candidates has now narrowed, with Democrats Zach Wahls and Josh Turek continuing their campaigns, and Republicans U.S. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and former state legislator Jim Carlin also running.
Why it matters
Sage's withdrawal narrows the field of candidates for the open Senate seat in Iowa, which is seen as a key battleground state in the upcoming election. His decision highlights the challenges of running a grassroots campaign without sufficient funding, and could impact the dynamics of the race going forward.
The details
Sage, a former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce leader, sports radio director and U.S. Army and Marine Corp veteran, said he visited all 99 counties in Iowa and held over 130 campaign events. However, he ultimately determined he could not raise the necessary financial resources to keep his grassroots campaign viable.
- Sage officially declared his candidacy in April 2025.
- Sage announced he was suspending his campaign on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
The players
Nathan Sage
A Democrat from Indianola, Iowa who was running for the open U.S. Senate seat, but has now suspended his campaign.
Zach Wahls
A Democrat from Coralville, Iowa who is continuing his campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat.
Josh Turek
A Democrat from Council Bluffs, Iowa who is continuing his campaign for the open U.S. Senate seat.
Ashley Hinson
A Republican U.S. Congresswoman who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat.
Jim Carlin
A Republican former state legislator who is running for the open U.S. Senate seat.
What’s next
The remaining candidates will continue campaigning ahead of the election to fill the open U.S. Senate seat in Iowa.
The takeaway
Sage's withdrawal highlights the challenges of running a grassroots campaign without sufficient funding, and could impact the dynamics of the race for the open Senate seat in Iowa, a key battleground state.
