New campaign finance reports from the fundraising period of May 27 to July 14 show millions of dollars have poured into Iowa’s statewide elections, including the attorney general’s race.
Willems gets a fundraising boost
Incumbent Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird continues to lead her Democratic opponent, Nate Willems, in fundraising, but Willems is gaining momentum.
Bird raised more than $1.96 million during the most recent fundraising period. After expenditures, she currently has more than $6.89 million on hand.
Bird’s campaign received a large contribution from the Republican Attorneys General Association Action Fund organization in Washington, D.C., receiving $1.5 million during the latest reporting period.
Willems raised $1.94 million during the time span, including $1.5 million from the Democratic Attorneys General Association’s PAC. After expenditures, Willems’ campaign has more than $2.67 million on hand, a large increase from the last fundraising period, where he had $875,000 on hand.
Incumbent Pate trails in funding
Ryan Peterman, Democratic candidate for secretary of state, leads incumbent Republican Paul Pate in fundraising efforts.
Peterman raised more than $51,200 over the latest reporting period, bringing his cash on hand to more than $166,000 after expenditures.
Pate raised just $2,110 during the fundraising period, bringing his total cash on hand to more than $90,000.
Pate, who has served as Iowa’s secretary of state in nonconsecutive terms since 1994, has trailed Peterman in funding throughout 2026.
Wettach leads lieutenant governor in auditor’s race fundraising
Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, a Republican running for state auditor, is trailing behind her Democratic opponent, Taylor Wettach, in fundraising.
Cournoyer raised more than $144,000 during the latest fundraising period, bringing her total cash on hand to more than $133,000, a big increase from the previous fundraising period, where she had just $3,226 on hand.
Wettach raised more than $272,000 during the most recent reporting period. After expenditures, Wettach has more than $763,000 on hand.
The state auditor contest is for an open seat. It currently is the only statewide office held by a Democrat, Rob Sand, who is running for governor.
Naig leads in ag secretary fundraising
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig leads his Democratic opponent, Chris Jones, by a wide margin in cash on hand.
Naig raised more than $179,000 during the latest reporting period, bringing his total cash on hand to more than $672,000.
Jones raised $110,000 over the course of the reporting period. After expenditures, Jones has more than $98,500 on hand.
Incumbent Smith leads treasurer race fundraising
Iowa Treasurer of State Roby Smith, the incumbent Republican, leads Democratic challenger John Norwood in fundraising efforts.
Smith raised more than $149,000 during the latest fundraising period. He currently has $358,300 on hand.
Norwood raised more than $56,000 during the reporting period. After expenditures, Norwood has more than $58,000 on hand.
Federal fundraising roundup
In Iowa’s U.S. Senate race, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson is currently outpacing state Rep. Josh Turek in total cash on hand, with $6.7 million compared to Turek’s $2.3 million. For the first time this election cycle however, Turek raised more money than Hinson, with $2.8 million in the period compared to Hinson’s $2 million. Turek spent more than $1.1 million during the last period, while Hinson spent more than $1.3 million. According to Fox News’ latest election forecast, this U.S. Senate race is considered a “toss-up,” with a recent Fox News poll showing Turek up by 4 percentage points.
Below are how much Iowa’s congressional candidates have on hand, raised and spent in the most recent fundraising period, according to Federal Election Commision documents:
District 1
- U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R): $4.7 million on hand; $1.02 million raised; $519,700 spent
- Christina Bohannan (D): $5.4 million on hand; $1.4 million raised; $315,238 spent
District 2
- Lindsay James (D): $755,578 on hand; $755,587 raised; $238,974 spent
- Joe Mitchell (R): $859,964 on hand; $377,769 raised; $359,871 spent
District 3
- U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R): $3.6 million on hand; $722,310 raised; $314,446 spent
- Sarah Trone Garriott (D): $3.9 million on hand; $1.4 million raised; $247,485 spent
District 4
- Dave Dawson (D): $49,762 on hand; $37,364 raised; $24,064 spent
- Chris McGowan (R): $328,850 on hand; $43,221 raised; $89,712 spent
