Overview

• Nathan Sage, a former Marine and Army veteran, has officially declared his candidacy as the first Democratic challenger to Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa's 2026 Senate race.
• Sage highlights his working-class upbringing and military service, framing his campaign around economic justice, healthcare reform, and opposition to corporate influence.
• In his campaign video, Sage criticized the 'rigged' economy and pledged to fight for blue-collar Americans, unions, and small-town communities he says have been neglected by current leadership.
• Sen. Joni Ernst, a two-term Republican incumbent and retired Lieutenant Colonel, is seeking a third term in a state that has consistently favored GOP candidates in recent elections.
• Iowa remains a challenging battleground for Democrats, with the state last electing a Democratic senator in 2008 and showing strong support for Donald Trump in recent presidential contests.