Here are the latest 2026 Election headlines: 

- Lindsay James beats Joe Mitchell for Iowa House District 2

- Johnson County jail bond fails a fourth time

Here are the latest 2026 Election headlines: 

- Josh Turek wins Iowa Senate seat after closely contested race

- Photo Gallery: Congresswoman Ashley Hinson’s Election Watch Party (11/03/2026)

- Third time’s a charm for Democrat Christina Bohannan

- Voter turnout higher than two recent midterms

Keep up with Election Results here.

Some of Iowa Republicans' state agency leaders are in danger of losing their re-election bids also. 

 

Our story on Rob Sand's victory is updated with quotes from both candidates and photos from Sand's victory speech. 

Here are the latest 2026 Election headlines: 

- Little change in Linn County leadership after Tuesday election

- Cedar Rapids voters OK $60M bond for fire station improvements

- Kirkwood’s $88M bond on track to pass, with votes still being counted

- Hills and Decorah fire bonds pass, Ely library and Lake Delhi improvements fail

- Johnson County sticks with all Democratic supervisors

Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks released the following statement tonight after being defeated by Democratic opponent Christina Bohannan.

“Serving this district has been the honor of my life. The results tonight are disappointing, but I am grateful to every Iowan who put their trust in me, to our volunteers, to my staff, and to my family.

“Our country is at a crossroads, and our fight isn't over.”

Ely library bond fails

A bond vote for $2.25 million library expansion in Ely was defeated Tuesday. 

The measure got about 50 percent of the vote, but needed 60 to pass.

In Delaware County, voters within the Lake Delhi taxing district rejected a $9.2 million bond referendum that would have gone to lake improvements, including dredging. 

The vote which would not have changed the existing debt service levy from current rates got just 34 percent of the vote. It needed 60 percent. 

Nearly a quarter of the lake is four feet deep or less. The only prior dredging project on Lake Delhi occurred in 2006.

Fayette County EMS Levy passes

In Fayette, County voters narrowly approved an EMS levy. The levy would draw $.75 per $1,000 in valuation for a period of 15 years. 

The measure was approved by 61.6 percent of the voters. It needed 60 percent to pass.

The levy could be sunset if another workable solution is found.

The county opted for the levy vote after one of two providers notified the county they would stop providing services on Dec. 31, 2026 because they were losing too much money. The provider was one of two with full-time critical care paramedics. In the area. The company transports patients needing advanced care to LaCrosse, Wis., Iowa City, Waterloo and Rochester, Minn. 

With the passage of Tuesday’s levy, it will still take up to a year before funds become available.

Decorah voters approve bond plan

In Decorah, voters said yes to a $20.9 bond referendum that would build a new fire station and expand the municipal building.

The measure received about 61.5% of the vote, above the 60 percent required to pass.

The city asked voters to build a new fire station after a 2025 assessment determined severe structural issues with the existing station. The city’s current fire station was too small to store the department’s equipment on site, and the structure lacked decontamination space or a gear room.

The expanded municipal building will replace roof, HVAC and other outdated building systems, expand meeting spaces, allow for the relocation of public works, city engineering and the mayor’s office from off-site locations and help improve work space in the building.

Tama County votes to shrink Board of Supervisors

A ballot issue to reduce the number of county supervisors in Tama County passed Tuesday.

In final preliminary numbers, the ballot measure received support from 56 percent of voters. It required approval from a simple majority to pass.

The board was expanded in 2022 when Tama County voters passed a measure to expand the board from three to five members. The five member board was seated beginning in 2024. 

Tama was one of two Iowa counties voting on the size of government in Tuesday’s elections. Mills County was voting to expand from three to five members.

Hills Fire Bond passes

A bond referendum for a new fire station and city hall facility was approved by voters in this town of roughly 800 residents in Johnson County. 

WIth final preliminary numbers in, the $5.1 million had approval from roughly 68 percent of voters. The bond referendum needed 60 percent of voters to pass. 

The additional space will also provide room for an expanded City Hall, instead of the small office the city uses in the current fire station. 

The new construction will be built at the former site of Hills Elementary School. The city purchased the now vacant school site earlier this year. The new building would be operational around spring or summer 2028. The city has no plans yet for the current fire station, which was built in 1971.

More Rob Sand: "I know that there's plenty of Iowans who did not vote for me. So you are going to see me out and about. I hope that you stop me, and I hope you introduce yourself. And I hope you kindly tell me why you didn't vote for me. I hope you also keep an open mind, because you're going to get to know me better over the next four years, and maybe you'll feel differently the next time. Bottom line is this: again, for the folks who didn't vote for you, for me, I'm going to work just as hard for you as I do for anyone else."

Rob Sand: "We gave Iowans a place to bring their concerns, their complaints, and their ideas to improve our state. We rejected the idea that you have to hate your neighbor just because they vote differently than you. We said that we should expect more from our elected officials who are supposed to be working for us. That is what this campaign has been about. Now it's going to take all of us working together from all political persuasions to address the issues that our state faces, I truly believe that we can do great things for this state with all ideas, voices, and perspectives actually at the table."

Democrat Josh Turek flips U.S. Senate seat, in a race called by CNN and the Associated Press. Turek defeated opponent Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson. 

Rob Sand taking the stage at Iowa Democrats' Des Moines HQ after being introduced by his wife Christine.

Iowa Democrats are flipping statehouse seats: * Heather Matson, Senate D21 * Nikhil Wagle, Senate D47 * Heather Sievers, House D40 * Molly Buck, House D41 * Jill Alesch, House D43 * Jacob Welper, House D59 * Matt Robinson, House D72

— Erin Murphy (@ErinDMurphy) November 4, 2026

A second call for Rob Sand. Not insignificant here. Still waiting on the big dogs (AP, networks, etc.). https://t.co/IIShK1BQvQ

— Erin Murphy (@ErinDMurphy) November 4, 2026

Big cheer at Iowa Democrats' Des Moines HQ as national TV broadcasts project Democrats winning a majority in the U.S. House with tonight's results.

We have a call for Rob Sand for governor. This is not official, but rarely do calls this early not hold up. https://x.com/DecisionDeskHQ/status/2117813564539031688?a=n4u8GcKucNneO4GNfzU&s=20

Meantime, over at Republican Party of Iowa's Election Night HQ, state party chairman Jeff Kaufmann tells reporters, "I’m nervous but I’m hopeful."

From Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Hailey Peck, who is on site with the Iowa GOP. I'm at Dems' HQ. Stay tuned for updates here throughout the night to come.

Early Democrat successes tonight in Florida and Georgia have to be helping to boost Iowa Democrats' hopes on a night they already came in hopeful.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairwoman Rita Hart staying cautious. She just chatted briefly with reporters at Iowa Democrats' election night HQ in Des Moines and said, "I am nervous. I've been nervous as cat all day. I mean, you never know what's going to happen until the last vote is cast and and we start hearing the results. So I'm not one to get in front of my skis."

Linn County Auditor Todd Taylor reported no problems at the polls, as of mid-day Tuesday, Election Day in the U.S. 

“In some places, it’s been boring,” he said. “In others, it’s been steady.”

Read the full article 

Madison Gunn (left), 34, and Zachary Gunn, 33, said they felt like their rights were on the ballot once again as queer people.

"I have a lot of concerns around the safety of minority groups in general, so that was a big motivating factor for me," said Zachary after casting their ballot at Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids.

The Gunn's shared they were excited to vote for Democratic candidate for governor Rob Sand.

Zachary said they voted yes for the Cedar Rapids fire department and Kirkwood Community College bond referendums, citing the importance of public safety and education.

 

Austin Behrens, 33, said he voted Democrat and hopes for a "change of scenery."

Behrens voted against the Cedar Rapids fire department bond referendum, saying the department built a new fire station in the last 20 years.

"I feel like the city misappropriates funding quite a bit," he said.

Behrens voted yes for the Kirkwood Community College bond referendum, saying it's important to invest in education.

 

Elizabeth Nord, 31, voted with her 9- and 6-year-old by her side Tuesday at Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids.

"I want to exercise that right and teach my kids that it's important to participate," she said.

"I encourage everyone to take the time to vote. I think it's important, especially for the future of our kids," she said. 

At a media briefing just now, Iowa Sec. of State Paul Pate says turnout thus far is very high and he is not aware of any "major" logistical or technical issues. He also said he has not heard anything from or about the US DOJ's poll observers. 

Susan Johnston, 64, once ran for county treasurer in another county on a Republican ticket. But Tuesday, she voted Democrat in the "important races," she said.

"Trump," Johnston said. "That man is trying to turn this country -- like he's king and everyone will abide by what he wants."

Johnston said she's always liked Rob Sand, the Democratic candidate for governor. She thinks Zack Lahn is trying to "pull a fast one" on Iowans.

Josh Turek, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Iowa, seems like the "obvious choice," Johnston said.

Johnston likes the "Godly values" of Lindsay James, Democratic nominee for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.

Johnston voted in person at Grant Wood AEA on Election Day after seeing long lines at early voting precincts. Tuesday, she didn't have to wait at all to cast her ballot. 

Nikki Lynn, 37, said that although she considers herself a "centrist," she voted Democrat Tuesday, casting her ballot at Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids.

"I believe that the Democratic Party right now is more for the people than it is for big billionaires," Lynn said.

Lynn also voted "yes" on two bond referendums on the ballot -- the Cedar Rapids Fire Depaetment and Kirkwood Communith College.

Lynn said she had a house fire last December, and personally knows the importance of the fire department.

She voted "yes" on the Kirkwood bond because she believes it could draw more people to Eastern Iowa.

 

Stephanie Estrada, 50, said she's "old school" and she likes to wait until Election Day to cast her ballot. She also wonders if mail-in ballots "really count," she said after casting her ballot Tuesday at Grant Wood AEA.

Estrada didn't share who she voted for, but she said she voted "majority Democrat."

"I just think it's time for a change," she said. "I think the economy is a big thing for everyone right now. It won't change overnight, but I hope it changes in the right direction instead of inflating everything."

Estrada's concerns about rising costs are why she voted "no" on two bond referendums on the ballot -- the Cedar Rapids Fire Department and Kirkwood Community College, she said.

"We need a couple of years of stability before we see taxes go up," Estrada said. "People are really strapped."

Rick Raue, 74, waited to vote until Election Day, so he could cast his ballot at Kirkwood Community College Rec Center with an informed opinion.

Raue said he voted for a mix of Republican and Democratic candidates.

He said it's "time for a change" of county treasurer, who for the last several years has been Brent Oleson, a Democrat.

"Not that he did a bad job, it's just sometimes time for a change," Raue said.

Raue said he's done his research on candidates and is concerned about Iowa's drinking water. Yet, industries keep coming in that don't help, he said.

"But we do need jobs and people need to work," he said.

Voting today and wanting to read up on the candidates on your ballot? Click here to read candidates' responses to Gazette questionnaires.

Here are a few quick links to get you started:

Candidates for U.S. Senate

Candidates for U.S. House

Candidates for Johnson County Board of Supervisors

Candidates for Linn County Board of Supervisors

View all questionnaire responses here. 

Traci Schwieger, 52, waited until Election Day to vote because she wanted to vote beside her son and niece the first time they cast their ballots at Kirkwood Community College Rec Center.

As a business owner, Schwieger said she felt it was important to vote Democrat. She and her husband opened Rip's Bar & Grill, 5761 C St SW, Cedar Rapids, at the beginning of the year.

"Prices are going up. The cost of food, the cost of gas, electricity, we're scared," Schwieger said.

Schwieger said she also voted "yes" for the Cedar Rapids fire department and Kirkwood Community College bond referendums.

"Anytime you invest in the community, it's important," she said. 

Robert Howell, 65, said "It's time to end an era," after he cast his ballot at Kirkwood Community College Rec Center Tuesday.

Howell said he voted "straight Democrat," saying the state is going in the "wrong direction."

"We've got too many young people leaving, too many people dying from cancer. We got water that's not being cleaned up. We're in a sad state. I mean that literally," Howell said. 

Howell said he voted "yes" to the Cedar Rapids fire department bond referendum and Kirkwood Community College bond referendum. 

"I believe the most valuable asset in this country is our young people and the ability to educate them. If we don't have that, we're wasting our most precious resources because that's whose going to save us," Howell said. 
 

At Washington High School, Matt Piersall and Dan Kalkhoff didn't want to talk about who they voted for. Both used the same phrase to describe what brought them out to the polls -- civic duty. Piersall said he voted "mostly for Democrats." Kalkhoff said a mix of candidates got his votes, and he noted that it is important for democracy that people vote.

Across the street was another precinct polling place at Bethany Lutheran Church. A woman who did not want to give her name said she came out because "I wanted to vote." 

"I don't like the way things are going," she said. "We need change."

It's a big week for Cael Kongshaug. He is the quarterback for the Prairie High School football team and led a last-second win against Sioux City East on a long, long roadtrip last Thursday. Kongshaug was 14-of-21 passing for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

The game was big, but so was casting a ballot in the midterm elections. Tuesday morning, he was grinning ear to ear outside the polling precinct at All Saints Catholic Church. The 18-year-old cast his first ballot in an election. He had his picks selected ahead of time and methodically went down the ballot with his votes.

 As he headed to school, he sported an "I Voted" sticker on his sweatshirt.

The Lutheran Women's Missionary League at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids saw an opportunity. Precinct 26 is at the church, so the league set up a bake sale to raise funds that are donated to a variety of charities throughout the year. 

Beth Mohar and Cindy Goerdt were staffing the table about 8 a.m. and selling a variety of cookies, brownies, cupcakes and other goodies.

Some voters passed up the sweets and just made a donation to the league.

Happy Election Day 2026! Have you voted already? If you have, you're in good company.

If you haven't yet voted, and you intend to today, the polls are open until 8 p.m. If you need to look it up, you can find your polling site here.

Stay tuned to The Gazette's live blog here for updates throughout Election Day, and for all the results as they come in tonight.