What is on your November 3, 2026 ballot in Johnston, race by race.
2026 is a big ballot in Johnston: an open U.S. Senate seat, an open governor's race, all six statewide executive offices, your seats in the Iowa Legislature, and several Polk County offices. Here is the whole ballot, race by race, with the candidates listed in each and one plain line on what the office actually does. We take no side and endorse no one.
Read this first
Candidates below are current as of September 1, 2026, drawn from the Polk County Auditor's official candidate list and Ballotpedia. The ballot is not certified until the fall, and independent or third-party candidates can still be added. Johnston is split across several precincts and legislative districts, so your exact statehouse race depends on your address. Always confirm against your own sample ballot. Names are listed alphabetically, not in any order of preference.
The quick answer
Johnston's November 3, 2026 ballot has: an open U.S. Senate seat (Sen. Joni Ernst is retiring), the IA-03 U.S. House race, an open race for governor (Gov. Kim Reynolds is not running), five other statewide offices, your Iowa Senate and House seats, several Polk County offices, and judicial retention questions. See how and when to vote.
Federal
Federal offices
U.S. Senate (Iowa) - open seat
One of Iowa's two seats in the U.S. Senate, a six-year term. Open because Sen. Joni Ernst is not seeking re-election.
Ashley HinsonRepublican
Thomas LaehnLibertarian
Josh TurekDemocrat
U.S. House, Iowa's 3rd District (IA-03)
Represents central Iowa, including Johnston, in the U.S. House, a two-year term.
Zach Nunn (incumbent)Republican
Sarah Trone GarriottDemocrat
Statewide
Statewide executive offices
All six of Iowa's statewide executive offices are on the 2026 ballot.
Governor - open seat
Iowa's chief executive, a four-year term. Each candidate runs with a lieutenant governor running mate. Open because Gov. Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election.
Zach LahnRepublican
Rob SandDemocrat
Attorney General
The state's top lawyer and consumer-protection office.
Brenna Bird (incumbent)Republican
Nate WillemsDemocrat
Secretary of State
Runs Iowa elections and business filings.
Paul Pate (incumbent)Republican
Ryan PetermanDemocrat
Auditor of State - open seat
The state's independent financial watchdog. Open because Auditor Rob Sand is running for governor.
Chris CournoyerRepublican
Taylor WettachDemocrat
Treasurer of State
Manages state funds and returns unclaimed property.
John NorwoodDemocrat
Roby Smith (incumbent)Republican
Secretary of Agriculture
Oversees the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Chris JonesDemocrat
Mike Naig (incumbent)Republican
Statehouse
Your seats in the Iowa Legislature
Johnston is split across state legislative districts. Most of Johnston is in Iowa House District 43 and Iowa Senate District 22 (Senate District 22 is not up in 2026). Some Johnston precincts are in Senate District 23, which is open this year, and in a different Iowa House district. Confirm your exact districts by address, since which races you see depends on where you live.
Iowa House, District 43 - open seat
Your representative in the Iowa House, covering much of Johnston. Open because Rep. Eddie Andrews is not seeking re-election. All 100 House seats are up every two years.
Jill AleschDemocrat
Nicole HassoRepublican
Iowa Senate, District 23 - open seat
Some Johnston precincts vote in Senate District 23, open this year because Sen. Jack Whitver is retiring. The rest of Johnston is in Senate District 22, which is not on the 2026 ballot. Check which one you are in.
Mike BousselotRepublican
Tony ThompsonDemocrat
Polk County
Polk County offices
Johnston is in Polk County Supervisor District 2, which is not up in 2026, so there is no county supervisor race on Johnston's ballot this year (Districts 1, 4 and 5 are the seats up this cycle). The countywide offices below appear on every Polk County ballot.
Polk County Attorney
The county's chief prosecutor. A Republican challenger has filed; the name will appear on the certified ballot.
Kimberly Graham (incumbent)Democrat
Polk County Treasurer
Collects property taxes and handles vehicle registration.
Mary WellsDemocrat
Polk County Recorder - open seat
Keeps county records such as deeds and vital records. Open because the longtime recorder is retiring.
Lisa J. ChiodoDemocrat
Also on the ballot
Judges and any local questions
At every even-year general election, Iowa voters decide whether to retain certain judges (a yes or no on keeping them, not a race between candidates). Johnston voters will see retention questions for Iowa Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and local district judges. The specific 2026 slate is set by the state closer to the election, so check your sample ballot for the exact judges and for any local public-measure questions in your precinct.
We will keep this current through Election Day
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An open U.S. Senate seat, the IA-03 U.S. House race, an open governor's race, five other statewide offices, your Iowa Senate and House seats, several Polk County offices, and judicial retention questions. Your exact statehouse race depends on your address.
Is there a U.S. Senate race in Iowa in 2026?
Yes, and it is an open seat because Sen. Joni Ernst is not seeking re-election. As of September 1, 2026 the candidates are Ashley Hinson (R), Thomas Laehn (Libertarian), and Josh Turek (D).
Who is running for governor of Iowa in 2026?
The seat is open because Gov. Kim Reynolds is not running. As of September 1, 2026 the candidates are Zach Lahn (R) and Rob Sand (D), each with a lieutenant governor running mate.
When is the 2026 election?
The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026, polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early and mailed voting begin October 14.
Sources: Polk County Auditor official 2026 candidate list (Iowa Legislature and county races); Ballotpedia 2026 race pages for the U.S. Senate, IA-03, governor, and statewide offices; NBC News (Sen. Ernst not seeking re-election). Fields are as of September 1, 2026 and are not final until the ballot is certified. Independent, third-party, write-in, and nonpartisan filings, judicial retention, and any local public measures should be confirmed on your certified sample ballot from the Polk County Auditor.