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Nathan Sage Exits Iowa Senate Race Amid Fundraising Woes

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nathan Sage (D-Iowa) ends his Iowa Senate campaign after fundraising challenges, citing a system that favors wealth.
Sage aimed to fill retiring U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) seat and was the first Democrat to enter.
Iowa has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008, and Cook rates the seat likely Republican.
Other Democratic candidates include Josh Turek and Zach Wahls; Rep. Ashley Hinson (R) leads the GOP primary.

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Story summary

Nathan Sage (D-Iowa) ends his Iowa Senate campaign after fundraising challenges, citing a system that favors wealth.
Sage aimed to fill retiring U.S. Senator Joni Ernst's (R-Iowa) seat and was the first Democrat to enter.
Iowa has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008, and Cook rates the seat likely Republican.
Other Democratic candidates include Josh Turek and Zach Wahls; Rep. Ashley Hinson (R) leads the GOP primary.