On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, the On Iowa Politics podcast team talks about two big topics on the new year’s horizon: Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign and the upcoming legislative session. Plus, the team does a little real estate-watching in Davenport.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Iowa Republicans will lose with Randy Feenstra: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/iowa-republicans-will-lose-with-randy-feenstra/

Legislative Preview Series: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/

Former Arizona GOP candidate Kari Lake buys condo in Davenport: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/kari-lake-a-former-candidate-for-governor-and-senate-in-arizona-buys-condo-in-davenport/

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

This week, we look back at the year that was. And what a year it was.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

U.S. Army identifies Iowa Guard soldiers killed in Syria: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/u-s-army-identifies-iowa-guard-soldiers-killed-in-syria/

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announces she will not seek a third term: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-gov-kim-reynolds-announces-she-will-not-seek-a-third-term/

Iowa’s Ernst makes it official, will not seek re-election to third U.S. Senate term: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowas-ernst-makes-it-official-will-not-seek-re-election-to-third-u-s-senate-term/

Reynolds declares ‘Lutheran Services in Iowa Day’ as layoffs, federal interference imperil organization: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1287af14-fec6-11ef-9ae9-cb0f2001986f.html

Sioux City refugee family starting over, again, after apartment fire: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1287af14-fec6-11ef-9ae9-cb0f2001986f.html

Indictment says Des Moines superintendent falsely claimed to be U.S. citizen: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/indictment-says-des-moines-superintendent-falsely-claimed-to-be-u-s-citizen/

Recount unlikely in C.R. schools’ narrowly failed bond referendum: https://www.thegazette.com/k/recount-unlikely-in-c-r-schools-narrowly-failed-bond-referendum/

Opinion: Tawana Grover has to go: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/tawana-grover-has-to-go/ This Iowa county made the biggest swing to Republican in the last 12 years.

Here’s what voters there said is the reason: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/this-iowa-county-made-the-biggest-swing-to-republican-in-the-last-12-years-heres-what-voters-there/

‘Trump is speaking our language,’ says resident of Eastern Iowa county that has turned to Republican support in recent years: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_d9529045-bf05-486e-b26d-70a5ccd2164e.html

Democratic politician says economics helped drive this northern Iowa county toward Trump: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_890ddbab-406f-4423-bc26-f18edf396990.html

Iowa becomes first state to remove civil rights protections:https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-becomes-first-state-to-remove-civil-rights-protections/

After a decade of defeats, some Iowa Democrats changing the way they talk to voters: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/after-a-decade-of-defeats-some-iowa-democrats-are-changing-the-way-they-talk-to-voters/

Property rights, pipeline debate heating up among Iowa Senate Republicans: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/property-rights-pipeline-debate-heating-up-among-iowa-senate-republicans/

What federal funding do local governments in the Iowa Quad-Cities rely on?: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_7c41c612-e006-11ef-8993-b77217ebe163.html

Union leaders: Jobs will be cut at the Rock Island Arsenal: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_43cb2d85-5c3e-4729-a9c0-8b816f82d102.html

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week, Iowa Democrats are divided over the caucuses, yet another multi-candidate event without Randy Feenstra, the Iowa Supreme Court sides with Rob Sand, and more.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Iowa Supreme Court rules state auditor's office can represent itself in Davenport case: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0a490601-2683-42d4-99ee-c1e372078701.html 

Feenstra misses another Iowa GOP forum, gets criticized by Republicans and Dems: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_043d9e82-ee33-4e4b-90ce-4a58d6ba8307.html 

Party survey shows Iowa Democrats split on whether to 'go rogue' in 2028 nominating process: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_86f9a365-cf16-4739-87f9-5854a318994f.html 

Wendy Larson wins special election for Iowa House District 7: https://siouxcityjournal.com/search/#:~:text=Wendy%20Larson%20wins%20special%20election%20for%20Iowa%20House%20District%207 

National Democrats set sights on Iowa Legislature in 2026: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-national-democrats-add-iowa-house-senate-to-2026-target-map/ 

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, the IPERS CEO talks about those DOGE recommendations, the Satanic Temple’s display at the Iowa Capitol is back in the news, and Randy Feenstra addresses his lack of attendance at multi-candidate events.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal.

1:27 IPERS chief open to review, but urges caution on new retirement option: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/ipers-chief-open-to-review-but-urges-caution-on-new-retirement-option/

6:56 Satanic Temple display at Iowa Capitol denied by state officials for second year in a row: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_789d171a-7efb-4d6e-a27d-c01bf56d4d82.html

15:38 Feenstra says he plans to appear with other candidates at future GOP events: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_776156eb-90f5-4da2-8769-b7e837c21aa3.html

22:25 Bettendorf parents, educators tell Iowa Democrats of chilling effect of Iowa laws: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_7e0d7fd1-c9dc-40a9-8f40-d634659fa10b.html

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy sat down with Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025 for the second in a series of 1:1 interviews with political and government leaders in Iowa. 

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected] 

This week on the podcast we discuss Gov. Reynolds talking property taxes, THC drink limits in the government funding bill, a potential Democratic candidate for state ag secretary, and the Iowa delegation’s votes on the Epstein files.

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this episode:

Gov. Kim Reynolds plans to introduce property tax proposal during next legislative session: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_171e89cc-bae9-43f2-a79a-2efb867e3f16.html

'It would all go away': Iowa hemp retailers 'frustrated' by new law restricting products: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_05f5bf06-f892-41b2-a1ed-325aa7ab7eba.html

Iowa's congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1b5368b6-3cab-4190-8f2d-5f063363eb4f.html

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Get daily Iowa politics updates by signing up for the free On Iowa Politics Newsletter. (https://subscribepage.io/oniowapolitics)

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

This week, we discuss Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ fiery return to in-person town halls, Randy Feenstra’s campaign launch for governor, how Iowa Democrats messaged on health care access in the final days of the shutdown, a recount in Davenport under Iowa’s new recount laws, and a ruling from the Iowa Supreme Court in the Davenport building collapse case.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this episode:

Booing, heckling and walkouts mark Miller-Meeks’ town hall in Keosauqua: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/booing-heckling-and-walkouts-mark-miller-meeks-town-hall-in-keosauqua/

Feenstra sets sights on Rob Sand at Sioux Center tour launch for governor: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/feenstra-sets-sights-on-rob-sand-at-sioux-center-tour-launch-for-governor/

Iowa Democratic U.S. Senate candidates urge party to hold the line on health care subsidies: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/iowa-democratic-u-s-senate-candidates-urge-party-to-hold-the-line-on-health-care-subsidies/

Scott County to recount Davenport City Council 7th Ward race:https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_939af492-dca0-4291-b326-590b42fe81ff.html

Iowa Supreme Court rules Davenport employees can be sued after 2023 building collapse: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/iowa-supreme-court-rules-davenport-employees-can-be-sued-after-2023-building-collapse/

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Get daily Iowa politics updates by signing up for the free On Iowa Politics Newsletter.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

Pints & Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state and party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered with opportunities to discuss the latest headlines.

This Pints & Politics event was held on November 6, 2025, at The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The host was Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski. Guests included Ron Corbett, vice president of economic development at Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, who helped guide a Believe in CR Schools campaign, which advocated for people to vote “yes” for the bond, and Cedar Rapids school board President Cindy Garlock.

Panelists for the second part of the program included deputy Des Moines Bureau editor - Tom Barton, insights and opinion editor - Todd Dorman and former Gazette opinion writer - Adam B Sullivan.  

During Pints & Politics, attendees submit questions and enjoy time with some of their favorite journalists, columnists, and guests! This beloved event and lively conversation invite attendees to learn more about the issues impacting their community.

The presenting sponsor is the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors.

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On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the podcast, we’ll follow up on what happened in Iowa’s local elections, there’s a new Republican candidate for governor, and we’ll analyze this week’s national off-year election results and what they mean for 2026 in Iowa.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this episode:

Democrats dominate as economic woes take a toll on Trump’s GOP: https://apnews.com/article/virginia-new-jersey-trump-election-democrat-republican-fad109893cfd4be5b49a5bb1b0138d8d

Zach Lahn joins crowded Republican field for governor with ‘Iowa First’ message: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/zach-lahn-joins-crowded-republican-field-for-governor-with-iowa-first-message/

Here's all of our Davenport, Bettendorf city election preview coverage: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/collection_f77e4ae0-1a6a-4fa1-8448-07940483354e.html

The Sioux City Journal’s Election Day 2025 Blog: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_ae320ab0-b305-4d5b-bfab-7d70e4f5b533.html

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

This week on the podcast, we discuss Randy Feenstra finally making his gubernatorial campaign official; we explore readers’ questions about how elections officials catch fraudulent voting; and we look ahead to next week’s local elections. 

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this episode: 

Rep. Randy Feenstra formally launches bid for governor: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/elections/article_b22a8bb3-96d1-4c55-956f-117c97d02694.html

Feenstra launches campaign for Iowa governor, pledging to ‘take Iowa to new heights’: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/feenstra-launches-campaign-for-iowa-governor-pledging-to-take-iowa-to-new-heights/

Quad City Elections: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/

Western Iowa Elections: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/

Curious Iowa: What do election officials do to prevent or catch fraudulent votes?: https://www.thegazette.com/curious-iowa/curious-iowa-what-do-election-officials-do-to-prevent-or-catch-fraudulent-votes/

Marion man charged with election misconduct: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/marion-man-charged-with-election-misconduct/

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]

On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa.

This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we talk about the No Kings rallies in Iowa, Rob Sand’s 100th town hall, and Iowa’s DOGE report.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read stories featured in this episode:

2:45 ‘I can’t stand it anymore’: Sioux City No Kings Rally brings out protestors of all kinds: https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_bcc8195e-08f7-4fa9-b4a9-1effc6bb3aa3.html

12:17 ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide: https://www.thegazette.com/government-politics/no-kings-protests-against-trump-bring-a-street-party-vibe-to-cities-nationwide/

20:50 Hinson’s fundraising extends her dominance in Iowa Republicans’ U.S. Senate primary: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/hinsons-fundraising-extends-her-dominance-in-iowa-republicans-u-s-senate-primary/

20:53 Iowa's 2026 congressional race heats up with millions raised, crowded fields: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowas-2026-congressional-races-heat-up-with-millions-raised-crowded-fields/

21:08 Norris ends Senate campaign citing need to focus on addressing Des Moines superintendent ‘crisis’: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/norris-ends-senate-campaign-citing-need-to-focus-on-addressing-des-moines-superintendent-crisis/

21:12 Rod Blum ends comeback bid for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District seat: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/rod-blum-ends-comeback-bid-for-iowas-2nd-congressional-district-seat/

21:49 Iowa Governor candidate Rob Sand ends statewide tour with reform message: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowa-governor-candidate-rob-sand-ends-statewide-tour-with-reform-message/

28:00 Here’s what recommendations are in the newly unveiled Iowa DOGE Task Force’s report: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1529cd3e-a497-4de0-b4ec-72c961c833bb.html

This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

Comments: [email protected], [email protected]