Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau

In other campaign news, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra said his campaign has raised more than $3.2 million.

In other Iowa Capitol news, the state’s new unemployment system went live Tuesday

Also in the Capitol Notebook, a new warden has been named for Iowa State Penitentiary.

Iowa Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst will host a town hall meeting Friday in Butler County, according to a news release posted on her office website this week. The town hall meeting, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. Friday at Aplington-Parkersburg High School in Parkersburg.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is serving her second, six-year term representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate. She is up for re-election in 2026, and has not yet officially said whether she plans to seek another term.

Former Democratic state lawmaker and Veterans National Recovery Center president Bob Krause of Burlington on Tuesday launched his run for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat.

Also in the Capitol Notebook, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council awarded more than $200,000 in grants to 12 Iowa schools to help fund work-based and career-connected learning opportunities for students this summer.

Also, Democratic candidates announce endorsements for their 2026 campaigns

Also, Iowa Treasurer Roby Smith has endorsed Congressman Randy Feenstra for governor

Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra is touting his conservative record as part of a statewide ad campaign as he explores a run for Iowa governor.

Also in the Capitol Notebook: Iowa Senate Republicans approve work requirements for Medicaid recipients

Also in the notebook, President Donald Trump endorsed Iowa GOP U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn for Congress

Local governments across the state would be limited in restricting firework usage under legislation advanced by Iowa House lawmakers Monday. The bill would prohibit cities and counties from banning the use of fireworks on July 3 and 4 and Dec. 31.

Also in the Capitol Notebook, the Senate advanced a ban on DEI funding for local governments and community colleges

Also in the Capitol Notebook, a bill that would create licenses for palliative care centers is headed to the governor.