Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls Launches U.S. Senate Campaign

Longtime Coralville Democrat aims to flip open Senate seat

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting of an Iowa state capitol building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of civic pride and political change.Wahls' Senate campaign aims to bring a new generation of leadership to the nation's capital from the heartland of Iowa.Iowa City Today

Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls, a Democrat from Coralville, officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate at a kickoff event in Iowa City. Wahls, known for his 2011 viral speech defending LGBTQ+ rights, is running for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst.

Why it matters

Wahls' Senate bid is seen as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats as they look to maintain or expand their narrow majority in the upper chamber. His campaign will test whether a progressive, LGBTQ-friendly candidate can win over rural and suburban voters in the Hawkeye State.

The details

At the event, Wahls promised to only serve two terms if elected and to not own, buy, trade or sell any individual stocks or cryptocurrencies. He also vowed to co-sponsor a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United decision on campaign finance. Wahls highlighted his background growing up with two mothers and his 2011 speech defending same-sex marriage rights before the Iowa Legislature as key parts of his personal story and political identity.

  • Wahls launched his Senate campaign on April 14, 2026.
  • Iowa's 2026 U.S. Senate race was triggered by the retirement of Republican Sen. Joni Ernst.

The players

Zach Wahls

An Iowa state senator from Coralville who is running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat.

Josh Turek

An Iowa state representative from Council Bluffs who is also running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat.

Ashley Hinson

A Republican U.S. representative from Iowa who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Bruce Teague

The mayor of Iowa City who introduced Wahls at the campaign kickoff event.

Tim Dwight

A former University of Iowa football player who has known Wahls since 2011 and supports his Senate bid.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We want to change, we want our next generation to live better than us. What we're going towards right now is not good, and that is why I am supporting Wahls.”

— Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City

“We need people like him to get up there and fight the right fights. And he's always going to fight for what's right because he's got a great heart.”

— Tim Dwight, Former University of Iowa football player

“You deserve a Senator who you trust is working for you, the taxpayer, not enriching themselves and their bank account at your expense.”

— Zach Wahls

What’s next

Wahls will continue campaigning across Iowa as he seeks to win the Democratic nomination and then the general election for the open U.S. Senate seat.

The takeaway

Wahls' Senate campaign represents an opportunity for Democrats to flip a Republican-held seat in a key swing state. His personal story, progressive policy positions, and promise of term limits could resonate with Iowa voters looking for change in Washington.