Norwood Announces Campaign for Iowa State Treasurer

Democrat from West Des Moines vows to focus on retirement savings, state finances, and financial literacy

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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John Norwood, a Democrat from West Des Moines, has announced his campaign for Iowa state treasurer. Norwood said his campaign will focus on safeguarding the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System, strengthening oversight of state finances, expanding access to retirement savings options, and improving financial literacy for Iowans.

Why it matters

The race for Iowa state treasurer is heating up ahead of the November election, with Norwood challenging the incumbent Republican Roby Smith, who has held the office since 2022. The state treasurer plays a key role in managing Iowa's public finances and retirement systems.

The details

Norwood holds a bachelor's degree from Williams College and earned a master's degree in environmental management and an MBA in finance from Yale University. He currently serves as a business adviser with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

  • Norwood announced his campaign on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • The election for Iowa state treasurer is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

John Norwood

A Democrat from West Des Moines who has announced his campaign for Iowa state treasurer.

Roby Smith

The current Iowa state treasurer, a Republican who has held the office since 2022.

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What they’re saying

“My campaign will focus on safeguarding the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System, strengthening oversight of state finances, expanding access to retirement savings options and improving financial literacy for Iowans.”

— John Norwood (radioonthego.com)

What’s next

The race for Iowa state treasurer will continue to unfold in the coming months, with the election scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

The contest for Iowa state treasurer is shaping up to be a key political battle, with Norwood challenging the incumbent Republican and vowing to focus on retirement savings, state finances, and financial literacy for Iowans.