Reconstruction era

Zach Lahn, the conservative former lobbyist who won an upset victory in Iowa's 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary, is facing scrutiny over his ties to Kansas. Though born and raised in Iowa with longtime family roots there, Lahn relocated from Kansas back to Iowa in 2024 before launching his campaign. Critics, including supporters of Democratic opponent Rob Sand, have seized on his continued involvement in Kansas affairs, raising "carpetbagger" comparisons and questions about whether he has fully established himself in the state he hopes to govern.

The residency debate adds an early wrinkle to the 2026 Iowa governor's race, potentially shaping voter perceptions ahead of the general election matchup with Sand.

Democrat Scott Colom, a district attorney from Columbus, Mississippi, is challenging GOP Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in November's election, aiming to become the state's first Black U.S. senator since Reconstruction and its first Democratic senator since 1982. Mississippi has leaned heavily Republican in recent presidential races, but Colom, who won the Democratic primary in March, is pitching a faith-based message on wages, health care, and jobs to attract Black voters and a share of white support. His campaign has drawn high-profile backing, including an ad from Barack Obama and a Jackson rally appearance and fundraising push from Raphael Warnock. The race will be decided November 3.