What to know about Iowa’s primary elections as Democrats try to mount a comeback

Iowa voters head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that have become one of Democrats’ key focuses in their bid to claw back power in a state that once helped launch former President Barack Obama to the White House but has since become a Republican stronghold. 

While Republicans still hold an advantage in Iowa, Democrats see openings in a competitive governor’s race, an open Senate seat, and two battleground congressional districts that could help determine control of Congress next year. 

Iowa backed Obama in both 2008 and 2012 before swinging sharply to the right in the Trump era. President Donald Trump carried the state by 13 points in 2024, underscoring how difficult a statewide comeback could be for Democrats. 

Primaries in Iowa are closed, meaning voters must declare a political party affiliation in order to vote, but they can change their affiliation on the day of the primary. Polls are open