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, Rob Sand has a running mate, more ballot challenges featuring Libertarian candidates, and Iowa’s executive branch switches IT services. That last story is more interesting than it sounds, trust us.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Gazette Deputy Digital Content Manager Bailey Cichon.

Read the articles featured in this episode:

Western Iowa farmer picked as Democrat Rob Sand’s running mate for Iowa governor

Name confusion leads to challenge of Iowa Libertarian candidate

Reynolds defends Iowa IT outsourcing plan, says jobs will stay in Iowa

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 review the 2026 Primary Election.

This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Des Moines 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.

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

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Lahn tops Feenstra for GOP nomination

How did Zach Lahn win Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary?

Iowa primary takeaways: Democrats see opening, economy dominates and Lahn reshapes governor’s race

Turek wins Democratic nomination for Iowa U.S. Senate seat, setting up showdown with Hinson

Miller-Meeks, Bohannan advance to rematch in Iowa's 1st District race

Adam Peters defeats incumbent Ken Croken in Iowa House District 97 race

King counties from 2020 Fourth District primary stayed with Lahn in gubernatorial primary

Dave Rowley survives primary challenge from human trafficking lecturer Stacy Besch

Chris Cournoyer advances in tight Iowa auditor primary

This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we preview Iowa’s primary election coming up on Tuesday, June 2, including the gubernatorial, U.S. Senate, 2nd Congressional District and 1st Congressional District races.

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 Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton and Gazette opinion columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

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

Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

(1:22) Here are the 5 Republicans who want to be Iowa’s next governor

(17:54) Meet the Iowa Democrats running for U.S. Senate

(25:43) Meet the Iowa Republicans running for U.S. Senate

(32:15) Meet the Democrats running for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District seat

Meet the Democratic candidates running for Iowa's 1st Congressional District

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 take a peek inside the latest round of fundraising by Iowa’s gubernatorial candidates, one last debate in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, and the latest on a Western Iowa native’s testimony about Jeffrey Epstein.

This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Gazette social video producer Bailey Cichon.

Read stories mentioned in this week’s episode:

(2:09) Ted Waitt said he found Epstein 'off-putting'; wasn't aware of wrongdoing by Maxwell

(9:27) Zach Lahn tops Randy Feenstra in latest fundraising for Iowa Republican governor hopefuls

(24:35) Zach Wahls, Josh Turek debate electability, policy in lead-up to primary

(28:20) Opinion: Chuck Schumer looms over Iowa Democratic Senate primary

This week, there’s a lot going on in Democratic primaries for Iowa’s 2nd District and the U.S. Senate.

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 Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon.

Read the stories talked about in this episode:

(2:00) Tom Harkin endorses Josh Turek in Democratic Senate primary

Pete Buttigieg endorses Turek in Iowa Dems’ Senate primary

(8:25) Zach Wahls campaigns in Bettendorf Iowa primary

Warren tells Iowa Democrats: ‘We need you’ in fight for Senate control

(20:48) Iowa Democrats target affordability, Trump and corporate influence in U.S. House race

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 zone in on the latest headlines.

Attendees participate in audience polls, 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 Gazette and Presenting Sponsor Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors hosted this Pints & Politics event on April 23, 2026. This event was held at CSPS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This event’s panel included The Gazette’s Todd Dorman, Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy, Deputy Des Moines Bureau Chief Tom Barton, and The Gazette's Executive Editor Zack Kucharski, who moderated the session.

This week, we’ll talk about primary election debates in Iowa’s open-seat elections for governor and the U.S. Senate, and of course we’ll revisit the marathon shutdown of the 2026 legislative session.

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 Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal. It features Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy, Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnist Althea Cole.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

(1:53) Dispatches from Des Moines: A bittersweet reflection and farewell

(2:00) Marathon, 2-day session finishes Iowa lawmakers’ 2026 work

(11:50) What’s in Iowa’s property tax legislation?

(16:15) Abortion policy distinctions drawn in Iowa GOP gubernatorial primary debate

(25:46) Zach Wahls, Josh Turek clash on immigration, outside spending

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 Iowa Supreme Court issued a ruling in a case involving the City of Davenport and the Iowa Auditor’s Office. Plus, the Iowa Legislature is winding down as the 100th day of session comes and goes.

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

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

Iowa Supreme Court rules for Davenport in case on auditor access to closed session records

https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ecebb8c9-4d42-454d-8c34-33a3db9d930b.html

7:09 As 100th day passes, Iowa lawmakers’ work on property taxes, eminent domain unfinished

https://www.thegazette.com/news/state/as-100th-day-passes-iowa-lawmakers-work-on-property-taxes-eminent-domain-unfinished/article_7c15db95-de47-4c48-a9f9-f4384b9421a9.html

Iowa lawmakers see session’s end in sight

https://www.thegazette.com/news/state/iowa-lawmakers-see-session-s-end-in-sight/article_80abff74-ff60-453e-a3bf-d6439da97ec3.html

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’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary starts to warm up, a reminder that there is still a Republican U.S. Senate primary, and a national forecaster thinks Iowa’s gubernatorial election is Cooking (pause for laughs).This episode was hosted by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman.

Read the articles mentioned in this episode:

2:30 Elections forecaster shifts Iowa’s governor race to ‘toss up’https://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/elections-forecaster-shifts-iowa-s-governor-race-to-toss-up/article_13789c84-81a1-4db8-a189-34c38252adee.html

15:22 Iowa Democrats Josh Turek, Zach Wahls clash over Schumer, outside moneyhttps://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/turek-wahls-clash-over-schumer-outside-money-in-iowa-senate-race/article_1182a970-55af-4774-995f-6950202ae7a9.html

The plot is thickening in Iowa’s Democratic Senate primaryhttps://www.thegazette.com/opinion/columnists/the-plot-is-thickening-in-iowa-s-democratic-senate-primary/article_8668d2cc-5d29-4a90-a6ff-15539db44f50.html

29:45 GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Jim Carlin joins state candidates to campaign in Scott Countyhttps://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_533f18ec-376c-4c59-a3e5-c2fc8ea2df18.html

This episode was produced by Gazette social video producer Bailey Cichon.

On Iowa Politics Podcast host Erin Murphy sat down with former Iowa Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad on Thursday, April 2, 2026 to talk about current events and reflect on Branstad's legacy as the longest serving Governor in U.S. history.

Watch the interview on video at: https://youtu.be/SoZFkIKQ-AA

1:19 Iowa Award

3:11 Republican Primary for Governor, Branstad's Endorsement of Randy Feenstra

9:18 Branstad's reaction to Eddie Andrews calling for Adam Steen to drop out of gubernatorial race

17:15 Branstad on Ashley Hinson

17:45 Branstad on Joe Mitchell

18:17 Branstad on Mariannette Miller-Meeks

19:24 Iowa Caucuses

21:30 Branstad's time as U.S. Ambassador to China

35:48 Reflecting on Branstad's time as Iowa Governor

This episode was produced by Bailey Cichon.

This week, drama and policy drops in the gubernatorial campaign, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in the Quad Cities, a Western Iowa tie to the Epstein files, and a terrific feature story on two Iowa women’s very different ties to the Iran War. And if that all isn’t enough, make sure you stick around until the end of the episode to hear about our next On Iowa Politics Podcast interview guest.

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 and produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. 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 articles mentioned in this episode:

2:37 Eddie Andrews calls on Adam Steen to drop campaign for Iowa governor

https://www.thegazette.com/news/elections/state/eddie-andrews-calls-on-adam-steen-to-drop-campaign-for-iowa-governor/article_92586fcd-3a60-4341-b73b-a012fcfeb65c.html

6:44 Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand floats age and term limits, changes to primaries

https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_4f5f5c28-ccc0-40a8-b980-9980b769d00c.html

14:24 Running against Sand is no day at the beach for GOP

https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/columnists/running-against-sand-is-no-day-at-the-beach-for-gop/article_eb13b3b0-4566-4492-8546-0b9d21a47820.html

21:18 Grassley, in Eldridge, says leaders should 'under-promise and over-deliver' on Iran war

https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0249db78-5f97-42b2-a937-85c004a45738.html

26:58 Epstein files reveal new details of Ted Waitt's past relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell

https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/article_f2c47a31-5b71-45dc-aa81-781096aad19a.html

33:24 Two Iowa women highlight stakes in Iran

https://www.thegazette.com/news/national/two-iowa-women-highlight-stakes-in-iran/article_02401d9a-97fb-41cc-8852-c6de9afca983.html

38:17 Stay tuned for our next On Iowa Politics podcast interview episode featuring ...