How often is State Senator elected?

The position of State Senator is typically elected every 4 years.

What does it mean for an election to be partisan?

Partisan elections require candidates to declare a party affiliation, like Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent.

What are the filing requirements to get on the ballot in Iowa?

Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of least 1 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party in at least 10 counties and in the aggregate not less than 0.5 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in the state, as shown by the last general election. signature requirement of not less than 100 voters of the senatorial district; in districts composed of more than 1 county, at least 2 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party, as shown by the last general election, in each of at least 1/2 of the counties of the district, and in the aggregate by not less than 1 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in such district, as shown by the last general election.

Where do I submit my candidate paperwork?

Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.

Where is the filing office?

Iowa Secretary of State, First Floor, Lucas Building, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319

How can I get in touch with the filing office?

You can contact the filing office by calling 515-281-0145.

How do I get started running for State Senator?

You can start running for State Senator by checking to ensure you meet all filing deadlines and requirements. Next, you can prepare to file for office and start planning your campaign strategy. Get in touch with our team of campaign experts for help with any step of the campaign process!

Is there a primary or runoff election for this office?

The next election for State Senator does not include a primary or runoff election.

State Senator in Iowa | GoodParty.org

Candidates for State Senator

Learn about candidates who have filed to run for State Senator.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Who's currently in office

Learn about who represents you in Iowa.

What this symbol means

Candidates and elected officials with this symbol took the GoodParty.org Pledge, promising to serve people first, independent of both major parties and big-money interests.

Are you ready for Iowa's next election?

Get registered and ready to vote, whether in person or by mail.

Check your voter registration

Verify your voter registration in under a minute.

Check my registration

Find your polling location

Learn where to go to vote in person.

Find my polling place

Request a mail-in ballot

Apply for an absentee ballot to vote by mail.

Request my ballot

About State Senator

About this position

State Senators are members of the state's upper chamber, as part of the state's bicameral legislature. State senators are responsible for voting on: bills related to public policy matters, levels for state spending, raises or decreases in taxes, and whether to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

Office level: State
Election frequency: Every 4 years
Typical salary: $25,000/year + $169 per diem
Commitment level: Part Time
Affiliation: Partisan
Positions: 1 open seat

Election type

Partisan election (party labels appear on ballots)
Run-off election

How to run for State Senator

Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
25 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and inhabitant of Iowa for 1 year preceding election, residence of 60 days in the county or district they will represent
Step 2
File for office
Filing requirements
Filing fee is $0; signature requirement of least 1 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party in at least 10 counties and in the aggregate not less than 0.5 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in the state, as shown by the last general election. signature requirement of not less than 100 voters of the senatorial district; in districts composed of more than 1 county, at least 2 percent of the voters of the candidate’s party, as shown by the last general election, in each of at least 1/2 of the counties of the district, and in the aggregate by not less than 1 percent of the total vote of the candidate’s party in such district, as shown by the last general election.
Filing period
July 27, 2026 - August 22, 2026
Paperwork instructions
Submit paperwork to the Secretary of State's office.
Where to file
Iowa Secretary of State, First Floor, Lucas Building, 321 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50319
Filing phone
515-281-0145
Step 3
Launch your campaign
A real campaign starts with a real plan. Get a custom campaign plan from GoodParty.org, personalized for your race and district.
Get started

Need help? You don't have to run alone. Join the GoodParty.org Community to get advice from real independents who have run and won.

State Senator in Iowa

On the ballot

Candidates for State Senator

What this symbol means

Who's currently in office

What this symbol means

Are you ready for Iowa's next election?

Check your voter registration

Find your polling location

Request a mail-in ballot

About State Senator

About this position

Election type

How to run for State Senator

Meet eligibility requirements

File for office

Launch your campaign

How to Run for State Legislature

2026 Political Campaign Playbook

Get free training and support

About this guide

Find more elections near you