DES MOINES, Iowa —
The Iowa State Fair isn’t just about fried food and farm animals. It’s also where political hopefuls get face time with thousands of voters from across the state. This year, many 2026 candidates are using it to test their message.
Iowa’s presidential caucuses have long brought national attention to the fairgrounds. In past years, presidential contenders flipped pork chops, gave fiery speeches at the Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox, and posed for selfies with potential caucus-goers.
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But with the next presidential election still three years away, the spotlight this year is shifting to statewide races in 2026.
Dozens of Iowans have already announced campaigns for the 2026 election — including races for governor, Congress, and key state offices. Political strategists say now is the time for those candidates to build name recognition, listen to voters, and start laying the groundwork for a winning campaign.
Here’s a list of confirmed candidate appearances at the 2025 Iowa State Fair:
Republican Party of Iowa Booth
Candidates for Governor
- Eddie Andrews for Governor — Saturday, August 9
- Brad Sherman for Iowa — Tuesday, August 12
- Randy Feenstra for Governor — Friday, August 15
- Mike Bousselot for Iowa — Sunday, August 17
Iowa Democratic Party Booth
Located in the Varied Industries Building
- Nathan Sage, Iowa Senate Candidate — August 7, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
- Sen. Ruben Gallego (AZ) — August 8, 10:00 a.m.
- Taylor Wettach, Iowa District 1 Candidate — August 8, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Zach Wahls, Iowa Senate Candidate — August 8, 2:00 p.m.
- Jennifer Konfrst, Iowa District 3 Candidate — August 9, 2:00 p.m.
- Ryan Peterman, Iowa Secretary of State Candidate — August 14, 12:00 p.m.
- Ashley WolfTornabane, Iowa District 4 Candidate — August 16, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
