Legislative News

Jul 18, 2019

Miller-Meeks Considers 2nd District Congressional Bid

First-term State Senator Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Ottumwa) announced Monday she is exploring a run for the Republican nomination for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. 

Jul 18, 2019

Nunn Decides to Forgo Run for Congress

Earlier this week, another first-term state senator announced he would not seek the Republican nomination for the 3rd Congressional District and would instead serve out the remainder of his state senate term.

Jul 2, 2019

Ross Wilburn Wins Democratic Nomination for HD46

Former Iowa City Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ross Wilburn recently secured the Democratic nomination for House District 46. 

Jun 27, 2019

Governor Sets Special Election Date

Gov. Reynolds issued a proclamation regarding a special election taking place in House District 46 in Story County. 

May 9, 2019

Candidates Talk Policy–What to Know about the 2020 Caucuses

As voters and business leaders, it’s vital to understand the effects of candidates’ specific policy proposals on your business. 

Mar 21, 2019

Unofficial Results: Eric Giddens Wins Senate District 30 Special Election

Eric Giddens (D-Cedar Falls) defeated Walt Rogers (R-Cedar Falls) in the Tuesday special election to fill the vacancy created when Sen. Jeff Danielson resigned to take a position with the American Wind Energy Association.

Feb 21, 2019

Special Election Set For Senate District 30

Following the resignation of State Senator Jeff Danielson (D-Cedar Falls) last week, Gov. Reynolds has set the special election to fill his vacant Senate seat for Tuesday, March 19. 

Nov 29, 2018

Recounts Completed in HD55, HD82; Bergan and Shipley Declared Winners

The Secretary of State’s office announced on Wednesday that Rep. Michael Bergan and Jeff Shipley had won their respective races for the Iowa House.

Nov 8, 2018

Record Election Turnout–Read ABI's Analysis

The election resulted in record turnouts for a midterm and changes in the Iowa House and Senate.

Nov 1, 2018

Election Day is Nov. 6: Find Your Polling Place

Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 6, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Nov 1, 2018

3 E’s for Employers and Employees to Be Election-ready

Learn about the 3 E’s—3 simple ways you can help increase employee engagement on Election Day.

Oct 25, 2018

BIPAC Action Fund Endorses 45 Candidates

On Tuesday, the Business Industry Political Action Committee Action Fund released its final list of endorsements for the 2018 election. 

Oct 18, 2018

Tools for Employee Engagement Before Election

With only two and half weeks until Election Day, consider sending a reminder to your employees.

Oct 18, 2018

Three Things to Know Before Voting

If you missed this week’s Election Update, ABI’s Nicole Crain provides members with three things to know before voting.

Oct 11, 2018

Early Voting Begins

Early voting in person began Monday with individuals heading to county auditors’ offices in advance of the Nov. 6 election. 

Sep 27, 2018

Sign Up for ABI’s Election Update Newsletter

If you want to read analysis of key state races and the latest news regarding the election, you’ll want to subscribe to ABI’s election update newsletter.

Sep 13, 2018

First ABI Election Update – Monday, September 17

The first ABI Election Update will be in your inbox if you have subscribed by Monday, September 17. 

Sep 13, 2018

60-Day GOTV Challenge

We encourage you to take the 60-Day GOTV Challenge. 

Aug 30, 2018

Employee Voter Registration Week is September 24-28

At ABI, we believe employee education about voting is important enough that we partner with BIPAC to support Employee Voter Registration Week (EVRW). 

Aug 23, 2018

Iowa Senate Races See Shake-up

Two Iowa Senate races are seeing a shake-up in the candidates who are vying to represent these districts in November.

Jul 5, 2018

Robinson Seeks Democratic Nomination in Senate District 49

Patti Robinson of Clinton announced on Tuesday that she is pursuing the Democratic nomination for Senate District 49. 

Jun 21, 2018

Convention News: Hubbell Selects Hart for LG, Naig Wins Sec. of Ag Nomination

Republicans and Democrats met last weekend for the state conventions.

Jun 14, 2018

Iowa Primary Turnout Posts Big Numbers

Highlights of last week included high turnout and one statewide race going to convention this weekend.

May 31, 2018

ELECTION UPDATE: Iowa Primaries on Tuesday, June 5

Remember, polls are open from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5.

May 24, 2018

Check Out the Primaries Matter Toolkit

With less than two weeks to go until primary election day, it’s important to make sure you and your colleagues have the resources to be an informed voter. 

May 17, 2018

Just Inside 3 Weeks Until Primary Day

June 5 will be a very consequential day for candidates running for office in Iowa, as voters go to the polls to determine who they want to see as the nominees of their respective parties for the general election in the fall.

May 10, 2018

Primaries Matter–Educate Employees

Although the general election isn’t until November, many Iowans have the opportunity to vote for candidates in gubernatorial, congressional and legislative primaries.

Apr 12, 2018

Sweeney Wins Special Election for Iowa Senate

Annette Sweeney (R-Alden) won a special election for Iowa Senate District 25 on Tuesday night.

Mar 29, 2018

Certified Candidate List Published – Not Without Protests

Secretary of State Paul Pate published the certified candidate list on Wednesday.

Mar 16, 2018

Special Election Set for Senate District 25

The Governor has set the special election to replace former Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock), who resigned his seat earlier this week, for Tuesday, April 10. 

Mar 15, 2018

Tomorrow is Candidate Filing Deadline

Tomorrow is the candidate filing deadline in advance of the June primaries. 

Mar 8, 2018

Candidate Filing Deadline Next Friday

Individuals interested in running for statewide or legislative races have until Friday, March 16, to file with the Secretary of State.

Mar 8, 2018

Mike Naig Named Iowa Secretary of Agriculture

Gov. Kim Reynolds has named Mike Naig as Secretary of Agriculture.

Jan 25, 2018

Iowa Caucuses to Be Held Monday, Feb. 5

Participating in your party’s caucus is a grassroots way to get involved in policymaking at the political party level.

Jan 18, 2018

Bossman Wins Sioux City Special Election

Jacob Bossman (R-Sioux City) won the special election in House District 6 on Tuesday.

Jan 11, 2018

Sioux City Members: Special Election TUESDAY

Next Tuesday, Jan. 16, voters in Iowa House District 6 will go to the polls. 

Jan 4, 2018

Candidates Set for January 16th Special Election in House District 6 Race

Republican and Democrats have selected their respective candidates for a special election on Tuesday, January 16 for House District 6.

Dec 21, 2017

Special Election Set

A special election in Iowa State House District 6 has been set by Gov. Reynolds for Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

Dec 14, 2017

New State Senator Elected in Senate District 3

State Representative Jim Carlin (R-Sioux City) defeated Democrat Todd Wendt in a special election for Senate District 3 on Tuesday. 

Dec 14, 2017

Bossman Announces Candidacy for House District 6

With the election of Rep. Carlin to the Iowa Senate, another special election must be called to fill the vacant Iowa House seat.

Nov 30, 2017

ABI Participates in Stakeholder Meeting on Voter Integrity Law

Beginning Jan. 1, 2018, voters will be required to show government-issued identification to vote. 

Nov 2, 2017

Local Elections Tuesday, Nov. 7

Nov 2, 2017

Special Election Set for Senate District 3

Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday that Tuesday, Dec.12, 2017, would be the date of a special election to fill the seat of Sen. Bill Anderson (R-Pierson). 

Oct 19, 2017

Local Elections on November 7

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Iowa voters will go to the polls and elect municipal representation. 

Oct 5, 2017

Voter Registration Week Over, Early Voting Begins

Early voting in Iowa for local elections is about to begin. Like school board elections, at times it is difficult to find information out about who is running. 

Sep 21, 2017

Senator Bill Anderson Resigning from Iowa Senate

State Senator Bill Anderson (R-Pierson) has said he will resign his seat in the very near future to take a job running the Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation.

Sep 21, 2017

Senator Robert Dvorsky Not Seeking Re-election in 2018

State Senator Robert Dvorsky (D-Coralville) has announced that he will not pursue re-election in 2018. He is retiring to spend more time with his kids and to travel.

Sep 7, 2017

Reminder: School Board Elections Tuesday, September 12

On Tuesday, September 12, all Iowans will have the opportunity to go to the polls between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm to vote for who they want to represent them on the local school boards. 

Aug 31, 2017

Employee Voter Registration Week 2017

Once again, ABI is partnering with BIPAC to provide members with resources during Employee Voter Registration Week (EVRW). EVRW is September 25-29 and a great opportunity for you to reach out to your employees and encourage them to vote.

Aug 10, 2017

Phil Miller wins special election for Iowa House seat

On Tuesday, August 8 voters in Iowa House District 82 went to the polls. The district, which includes communities in Jefferson, Davis and Van Buren counties, elected Democrat Phil Miller to serve out the remaining term of the late Curt Hanson.

Aug 2, 2017

Special election for Iowa House District 82 Tuesday

ABI members in the southeast Iowa counties of Jefferson, Davis and Van Buren, including the communities of Fairfield, Bloomfield, Keosauqua and smaller communities will have the opportunity to cast a ballot in the special election on Tuesday, August 8.

Aug 2, 2017

Employee Voter Registration Week 2017

ABI has resources and tips to help your company participate in Employee Voter Registration Week (EVRW), September 25-29. EVRW is a weeklong, nationwide effort to increase voter participation among private employees in the U.S.

Aug 2, 2017

Learn more: Iowans for Jobs Initiative

The Iowans for Jobs Initiative (IFJI) is the public policy education arm of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. The goal of the non-partisan Iowans for Jobs Initiative is to advocate and educate about the importance of pro-jobs, pro-business legislation for all Iowans. 

Aug 2, 2017

Another local election: Dallas County Supervisors set date for vote

Between now and November 2017, there will be many special elections held in addition to school board and municipal elections. 

Jul 6, 2017

Leopold and Matson drop out of gubernatorial race

Rich Leopold and Mike Matson have both recently ended their campaigns for the Democratic nomination for governor. There are still at least seven candidates who have declared or are exploring a run for the Democratic nomination for governor.

Jun 29, 2017

Jon Jacobsen wins House District 22 special election

Jon Jacobsen emerged victorious in a special election Tuesday to serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Greg Forristall's term representing Iowa House District 22.

Jun 1, 2017

Nominees chosen for special election in House District 22

Feb 9, 2017

Federal Spotlight: Survey shows 83 percent of employees found employer voting info helpful

New survey results from BIPAC, ABI’s national partner on get out the vote efforts, found that more than four out of five employees - 83 percent -  surveyed found information provided by their employers helpful in deciding how to vote in the 2016 Election. T

Dec 22, 2016

Reminder: Special state senate election is Dec. 27

Now that the General Election is over and the holidays are approaching it’s easy to forget that residents in state Senate District 45, which covers a portion of Davenport and southwest Scott County, will go to the polls on Tuesday, Dec. 27, to cast a ballot for their next state senator.

Nov 10, 2016

Near perfect election night for ABI’s IIPAC

Tuesday's election saw a strong contingent of pro-business candidates elected to the Iowa Legislature. If current outcomes hold, 100 percent of the candidates who received IIPAC's Friend of Iowa Business endorsement in the Senate and 95 percent of IIPAC-endorsed candidates in the House were victorious.

Nov 10, 2016

Federal Spotlight: ABI signs on to NAM letter to president elect

Nov 10, 2016

ABI hits the ground running after election of pro-business candidates

Voters in Tuesday’s historic election shifted the balance of power in the Iowa Senate to the GOP. Now Republicans control the Iowa Senate, Iowa House and the governor’s office.

Nov 10, 2016

Iowans show up in force for Republican candidates

When the results were tallied, Trump won by more than 9 points, collecting 51.5 percent of the vote. He won 93 of Iowa’s 99 counties, and the decisive victory helped Republicans down ticket.

Oct 13, 2016

Down ballot races are important, too

It is still critically important for Iowans to get to the polls and cast a ballot for races down ballot.

Oct 6, 2016

Communicate with your employees

With one month until the election, more than 140,000 Iowans have requested absentee ballots, according to the Iowa Secretary of State's Office.

Sep 29, 2016

40 Days, 40 Dollars

It’s hard to believe we’re in the final stretch of the 2016 election cycle. Your support for ABI’s political action committee, IIPAC, and pro-business candidates is as important as ever.

Sep 22, 2016

Early voting in Iowa begins one week from today

Iowans can begin voting exactly one week from today. In Iowa, early voting begins 40 days before the election, on Nov. 8.

Sep 15, 2016

There’s still time to make a difference in the Nov. 8 election

Thank you to everyone who has provided a personal contribution to ABI’s political action committee, IIPAC.

Sep 8, 2016

Election is only 60 days away

The November 8 election is only 60 days away. We need your help to make sure pro-business legislators are elected to the Iowa House and Senate.

Sep 1, 2016

ABI’s Election Update newsletter begins Tuesday

Election Day is just over two months away and things are started to heat up in important Iowa races. Stay informed with ABI’s Election Update e-newsletter, which launches with a special post-Labor Day edition on Tuesday.

Sep 1, 2016

Engage your workers with Employee Voter Registration Week

ABI has resources and tips to help your company participate in Employee Voter Registration Week (EVRW), September 26-30.

Aug 25, 2016

General Election only 75 days away

With only 75 days until the General Election and 35 days until early voting begins in Iowa, it is time for employers to start thinking about sending messages to employees.

Aug 18, 2016

ABI begins Get Out The Vote initiative

Beginning in September, ABI will be sending a weekly Election Update newsletter to help you and your colleagues prepare for the Nov. 8 election.

Aug 11, 2016

Federal spotlight: Congressional candidate comparisons available

Learn how Iowa’s candidates for federal office compare on issues important to business with our new new side-by-side comparisons.

Jun 30, 2016

Election Day is less than 120 days away - show your support today!

The countdown to Election Day is getting shorter and campaign activities are picking up speed.

Jun 9, 2016

General Election races set

Initial results are in from Tuesday’s congressional, state and local primary elections. All but one congressional district faced competitive primaries in one party, and several legislative seats also had primaries. Continue reading for the highlights of key races.

Jun 2, 2016

Primary Election is next Tuesday

The primary is only five days away!

May 26, 2016

Primary election in 12 days

Iowa’s primary election for U.S. Senate and House as well as state senate and house races will take place Tuesday, June 7th. Absentee voting is already underway. As we enter into election season, here are five tips to help you prepare.

May 26, 2016

Iowa House candidates interview with EPIC

Members of the ABI public policy team had the opportunity to meet with several Iowa House candidates during the first round of candidate interviews.

May 12, 2016

EPIC interviews scheduled

EPIC (Economic Progress for Iowa’s Citizens), of which ABI is a member, has been busily scheduling interviews with open-seat candidates and those Iowa House members who were elected to the legislature in a special election.

May 12, 2016

Encourage your employees to vote in June 7 primary

Absentee voting is already open in Iowa for the upcoming June 7 primary, which includes candidates seeking their party’s nomination in four federal races and other legislative races throughout the state.

May 5, 2016

Political season well underway

To date, the focus of the upcoming election has been exclusively on the presidential campaign, but it’s important to remember that Iowa’s primary is only one month away, on Tuesday, June 7.

Apr 7, 2016

Legislative open seats mean resources needed

ABI members will soon receive a letter from IIPAC Chair Kirk Tyler asking for your help.

Feb 25, 2016

State legislative candidate filing period opens Monday

The filing period for candidates wanting to run for state or federal office opens Monday, February 29 and runs through Friday, March 18.

Feb 4, 2016

Iowa Caucus chaos complete with record turnout

ABI, in collaboration with BIPAC, spent months educating employers, employees and the public about the importance of understanding the issues and participating in the caucus process.

Jan 28, 2016

Promoting caucus participation made easy!

The chaos surrounding the Iowa caucuses is nearly over. Iowans will caucus for their preferred presidential candidate, and ABI has resources to help engage your employees in the process.

Jan 21, 2016

One week remains until the Iowa caucuses

Jan 7, 2016

Take the uncertainty out of the Caucus process

The Iowa Caucuses are less than one month away and many groups, including ABI, are making a final push to encourage Iowans to participate. 

Dec 3, 2015

Iowa caucuses are just two months away

The Iowa caucuses are less than two months away.

Nov 5, 2015

Candidates visit ABI

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican candidate for president, stopped by the ABI office on Monday after a town hall meeting at ABI member company Nationwide, where he met with 300 employees in person and 32,000 more virtually.

Oct 29, 2015

Local elections are 5 days away

Iowans will go to the polls Tuesday to vote for local candidates and some ballot initiatives.

Oct 22, 2015

Special election set for House seat

A special election has been scheduled for Dec. 8, to fill a vacant seat in House District 21.

Oct 22, 2015

Can’t make it to the polls November 3? Vote absentee

Municipal elections in Iowa are less than two weeks away on Nov. 3.

Oct 15, 2015

Election Countdown: Two weeks left in city races

City elections in Iowa are just over two weeks away.

Oct 1, 2015

Charles Holz nominated to replace Rep. Chuck Soderberg

Earlier this month, Rep. Chuck Soderberg resigned from the Iowa House of Representatives to become the Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Oct 1, 2015

Iowa Caucus Toolkit now live

ABI and BIPAC have been working together to create a one-stop-shop for information on the Iowa caucuses.

Sep 24, 2015

Employee Voter Registration Week

Have you talked to your employees about registering to vote?

Sep 24, 2015

Special election set for Iowa House District

Former State Rep. Chuck Soderberg (R-LeMars) resigned his seat to become Executive Vice President/General Manager of ABI member Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives.

Aug 27, 2015

Presidential Watch

• Carly Fiorina will make stops in Storm Lake, Carroll and Ames on Friday.

Aug 20, 2015

Aug. 20: Presidential Watch

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will speak at the Des Moines Register’s Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Aug 20, 2015

Iowa House elects Upmeyer as first female speaker

Republican lawmakers today elected Rep. Linda Upmeyer (R-Clear Lake) to serve as the first woman speaker of the Iowa House of Representatives in state history.

Aug 13, 2015

Republican house leadership election scheduled

The election to replace Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) will take place Aug. 20 in Des Moines.

Jul 30, 2015

Presidential hopefuls invade Iowa

Last week, several presidential candidates visited with Iowans.

Jul 30, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch

• Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will have events in Glenwood and Red Oak on Friday.

Jul 23, 2015

Presidential Watch

Chris Christie will hold town hall meeting in Davenport, attend the Davenport Street Festival, and attend the Clinton County GOP Hog Roast in Camanche on Friday.

Jul 16, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: July 16, 2015

• Dr. Ben Carson will host a meet-and-greet in Washington on Friday.

Jul 9, 2015

Presidential Watch for July 9

• Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will have a meet and greet in Dubuque on Saturday and a spaghetti supper in Davenport on Sunday.

Jul 2, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch for July 2

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry will hold events in Knoxville and Oskaloosa on Saturday July 11

Jun 18, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch

• U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) will have events in Iowa on June 17, 19, 20, and 26. They will take place in Pierson, Council Bluffs, Red Oak, Denison, Johnston, and Sheldon.

Jun 4, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch

• U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) will hold a meet and greet in West Des Moines on Friday at 9:45 a.m. He will also speak at the annual VFW State convention on Saturday at 9 a.m.

May 28, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch

• U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) will make stops in Clinton, Davenport, and Muscatine on May 28.

May 21, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: Ernst event draws hopefuls

2016 Presidential Watch

May 14, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: Jindal, Bush, Huckabee, Clinton to visit Iowa

• Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will hold a breakfast with Congressman Steve King and radio host Simon Conway on Saturday, May 16, in Ames.

May 7, 2015

Presidential Watch: 3 new candidates announce bids

Several candidates announced their intention to run for the Republican nomination for President this week.

Apr 30, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch

2016 Presidential Watch

Apr 23, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: Faith & Freedom event attracts candidates

• Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina will make a number of stops around Iowa this week, including the Clinton County Republican Spring Dinner in DeWitt on Thursday, April 23 and events in the Iowa City/Coralville area on Friday, April 24. 

Apr 16, 2015

Presidential Watch: Upcoming events draw long list of candidates

Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina will hold a meet and greet at Cronks in Denison on Tuesday, April 21, at 6 p.m.

Apr 9, 2015

Presidential Watch: More candidates make their way to Iowa

• Former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Virginia) will make a number of stops around Iowa on Saturday. He is scheduled to visit Waterloo, Des Moines, and Mason City.

Apr 2, 2015

Presidential Watch: List of potential candidate appearances grows

Presidential Watch

Mar 26, 2015

Presidential Watch: Cruz becomes first official candidate

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas announced his candidacy on Tuesday and becomes the first candidate to officially enter the 2016 Presidential race.

Feb 19, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: Contenders ramp up Iowa visits

U.S Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a registered Independent, will appear at a series of events from February 19 to 21.

Feb 12, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: More candidates RSVP to Iowa Ag Summit

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry will hold a town hall meeting at Morningside College on Monday, February 16.

Jan 22, 2015

2016 Presidential Watch: Events draw hopefuls to Iowa

Iowa Freedom Summit – Saturday: Republican Congressman Steve King is hosting a first-time event, the Iowa Freedom Summit, which some are calling the opening event of the 2016 Iowa caucus process.

Dec 18, 2014

Field set in special election to replace Ernst in Iowa Senate

Rep. Mark Costello (R-Imogene) received the Republican nomination to fill the open senate seat vacated by Sen.-elect Joni Ernst.