Politics in a Nutshell

Jim Carlin criticizes Ashley Hinson as she enters Iowa Senate race

Hinson is running for Senate. Like former Republican state senate candidate Jim Carlin says, Hinson is a “handpicked candidate.” One candidate dropping out and another switching in would typically shake up a race, but the fact that Hinson is a clone of Ernst means nothing substantial will change. Ernst wasn’t looking out for Iowans. Hinson won’t either.

GOP Rep. Thomas Massie takes first step to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files

Republican Representative Thomas Massie is attempting to force a floor vote on releasing the entirety of the Epstein files, with only the victims’ names redacted for their privacy and protection. He needs 218 signatures, and every one of the 212 Democrats in the House already signed on. Republicans only need 2 more signatures for the files to be released. Iowans don’t tolerate sexual predators. Will Iowa's delegation stand up for the values that Iowans hold and sign on to expose the sexual predators named in the Epstein files?

Representatives on the Record

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

Will Rep. Miller-Meeks stand up for Iowans' values and support releasing the Epstein files in their entirety with the victims’ names redacted for their privacy and protection? Why hasn’t she signed on to Rep. Massie’s attempt to bring the release to a vote on the House floor?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

Will Rep. Hinson stand up for Iowans' values and support releasing the Epstein files in their entirety with the victims’ names redacted for their privacy and protection? Why hasn’t she signed on to Rep. Massie’s attempt to bring the release to a vote on the House floor?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

Will Rep. Nunn stand up for Iowans' values and support releasing the Epstein files in their entirety with the victims’ names redacted for their privacy and protection? Why hasn’t he signed on to Rep. Massie’s attempt to bring the release to a vote on the House floor?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

Will Rep. Feenstra stand up for Iowans' values and support releasing the Epstein files in their entirety with the victims’ names redacted for their privacy and protection? Why hasn’t he signed on to Rep. Massie’s attempt to bring the release to a vote on the House floor?

Feedback and Fresh Ideas

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Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the brink of Republican chaos.

Join the IDP at one of the many events being hosted in every corner of the state. See the full list of events by visiting iowademocrats.org and clicking “Events” under the “Take Action” tab at the top.

Country, Community, and Candidates Event

When: Sat, September 6, 4:00pm

Where: 2970 Cheyenne Avenue, Nashua Iowa

Description: A combined 4 county event hosted by the Chickasaw County Democrats to meet candidates, raise funds and help our communities. Event starts at 4 PM with speakers beginning at 5:15. Local and state candidates will be speaking! 

When you’re going the wrong way, turn around! ↩️

Senate District 29!

Help our Senate District 29, 2026 Democratic Legislative Candidates, kickstart their campaigns and lead the way by replacing these Republicans:

Sandy Salmon, incumbent, SD29 (Sen.)

Pat Grassley, incumbent, HD57 (House)

Charlie Thomson, incumbent, HD58 (House)

Dallas/Polk/Madison/Green/Guthrie/Adair Hall of Fame 

When: Sun, September 7, 6:00pm

Where: Country Lane Lodge, 29300 Prospect Cir, Adel, IA 50003

Description: Join us for a regional gathering of Democrats as we come together to strengthen our connections, celebrate local leaders, and build momentum for the work ahead. This event will feature speakers, awards recognizing outstanding contributions, and time to connect with fellow Democrats over good food and conversation. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate our shared values, hear updates from party leaders, and energize our community for the future.

RSVP Here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/cMHyrggccUOKa9Uh-iJBPQ2

What is Get Out the Vote?

When: Mon, September 8, 6:00pm

Where: Online

Description: Join the National Democratic Training Committee on Monday, September 8th from 7-8 pm ET for a free virtual live training on What is Get Out the Vote. We're here to help, so join us to learn the following:

Explain the purpose and timing of GOTV

Understand GOTV-specific terminology 

Recognize components of a successful GOTV plan

Examine key logistics for a successful GOTV operation

RSVP Here: https://traindemocrats.org/vlt-details/282/0908-mon-7-pm-et-what-is-get-out-the-vote

VAN Training

When: Wed, September 10, 6:00pm

Where: Online

Description: VAN training for new users, and for experienced users that want to freshen up their skills. Open to the public.

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82683380036?pwd=YYHeaFUrYvwgJtspM7tNKjPvErZpkF.1

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that Joni Ernst announced her retirement on Tuesday! After failing to represent Iowa for years, she isn’t going to be running for a third term. 

The bad news is that Republican Representative Ashley Hinson has already announced she’ll be running for Ernst’s seat. Hinson announced her candidacy on the same day Ernst announced her retirement. It’s clear that this was orchestrated by insider Republicans and Hinson was a handpicked candidate. 

It’s worth noting that, despite the switch in candidates, Ernst and Hinson’s positions are virtually the same. Hinson is no different than Ernst. They both voted to cut Medicaid and SNAP for Iowa’s families, they both support Iowa’s extreme abortion ban, and they both gave tax cuts to the wealthy while adding trillions to our country’s deficit.

Iowans needed a change in leadership, and not another carbon copy of Ernst. As always, I appreciate your continued involvement and support of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair