On Iowa Politics Podcast
News & Politics
About
Iowa political reporters and columnists meet weekly to discuss the latest news and analyze what's happening in Iowa politics. Think in-depth updates from the Iowa Legislature and the campaign trail. This podcast is recorded and produced by The Gazette in Cedar Rapids and features journalists from news organizations across the state.
Episodes
- Primary election debates 2026 edition
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the 2026 primary election debates for Iowa governor and U.S. Senate, hosted by Jared McNett. Panelists discuss legislative session news, property tax legislation, abortion policy, and immigration.
- Iowa Legislative Session winds down
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the winding down of the Iowa Legislative session as the 100th day passes. The episode also discusses a recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling in a case involving the City of Davenport and the Iowa Auditor's Of…
- Iowa’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary warms up
On Iowa Politics discusses the developing Democratic U.S. Senate primary, the ongoing Republican U.S. Senate primary, and a shift in the gubernatorial election forecast.
- Interview with former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad
Erin Murphy hosts former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to discuss current events and his time as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, as well as his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to China. The episode covers various political topics in…
- Updates from the gubernatorial campaign trail and Sen. Chuck Grassley
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast covers updates from the gubernatorial campaign trail, Senator Chuck Grassley's recent activities, and connections to the Epstein files and the Iran War. The podcast features political reporters…
- Ballot Drama Edition
This episode of On Iowa Politics covers the state panel's decision on Eddie Andrews' primary ballot status, a statehouse proposal that has led to unexpected political opposition, and an update on a legal case between the state auditor's of…
- Second funnel deadline, campaign trail updates edition
The On Iowa Politics podcast discusses the second legislative funnel deadline and updates from the 2026 campaign trail, including candidate signatures and endorsements. They also cover legislative bills that could limit the Iowa governor's…
- 2026 Candidates submit their nomination signatures
This episode of On Iowa Politics discusses 2026 candidates submitting nomination signatures, new legislation potentially limiting the governor's authority, and legislative actions concerning Iowa's cancer rates. The podcast features insigh…
- The latest from the Iowa Capitol
This episode of On Iowa Politics covers Iowa Capitol news, including discussions on Governor Kim Reynolds' private plane usage, candidate Randy Feenstra's ad campaign, and recent developments in property tax legislation.
- Iowa’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary heats up
The On Iowa Politics Podcast discusses the competitive Iowa U.S. Senate Democratic primary, cancer diagnoses within the Iowa Legislature, and includes the team's reaction to the State of the Union address. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the episod…
- Pints & Politics: February 18, 2026
The On Iowa Politics Podcast episode
- First Funnel Week of 2026 Edition
This episode of On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the Iowa Legislature's Funnel Week and the GOP gubernatorial primary. Reporters discuss legislative deadlines, campaign trail events, and specific policy proposals.
- Unpacking controversial bills at the Iowa Capitol
The On Iowa Politics podcast covers controversial legislation at the Iowa Capitol, federal immigration enforcement, and a bill proposing to bring the Chicago Bears to Iowa. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the episode features analysis from Iowa pol…
- Congressional Race Fundraising, Straw Polls and Iowa Legislature Edition
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast covers Congressional race fundraising, caucus intrigue for both parties, and news from the Iowa Legislature. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the discussion includes insights from political reporters on i…
- On Iowa Politics Podcast: President Donald Trump visits Iowa
The On Iowa Politics Podcast discusses President Trump's recent visit to Iowa, alongside other political topics such as the 2026 elections, Republican gubernatorial primary forums, and legislative activities. The episode features insights…
- The latest from the campaign trail and the Capitol
The On Iowa Politics podcast discusses recent campaign fundraising reports, property tax issues, and the Cedar Rapids Schools budget. Hosted by Erin Murphy with contributions from Gazette reporters and columnists.
- The Start of the 2026 Legislative Session
The On Iowa Politics Podcast reviews Gov. Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State address and the start of the Iowa Legislature's session. Political reporters discuss state and national issues impacting Iowa.
- What's to come in Iowa politics in 2026
The On Iowa Politics podcast team discusses the 2026 Iowa gubernatorial campaign, the legislative session, and real estate news in Davenport. This episode was hosted by Erin Murphy and featured Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee D…
- The biggest Iowa politics stories of 2025
The On Iowa Politics Podcast reviews the most significant political events in Iowa for 2025. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the episode features analysis from Tom Barton, Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson, Jared McNett, Althea Cole, and Todd Dorman,…
- Democrats are divided over the caucuses
This episode of On Iowa Politics covers the divisions among Iowa Democrats regarding the caucuses. It also addresses Randy Feenstra's absence from political events and a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court in a case involving Rob Sand.
- IPERS CEO talks DOGE recommendations
This episode of On Iowa Politics covers the IPERS CEO's perspective on DOGE recommendations, the return of the Satanic Temple's display at the Iowa Capitol, and Randy Feenstra's stance on attending multi-candidate events. The discussion al…
- On Iowa Politics Podcast: Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten Interview
On Iowa Politics Podcast features an interview with Iowa Rep. J.D. Scholten by Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. The discussion is part of a series on political and government leaders in Iowa.
- Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds talks property taxes
The On Iowa Politics podcast features discussions on Governor Reynolds' upcoming property tax proposal, limits on THC drinks, a potential Democratic candidate for state ag secretary, and the Iowa delegation's votes regarding the Epstein fi…
- Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meek’s in-person town hall review
This episode of On Iowa Politics covers Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ return to in-person town halls, Randy Feenstra’s gubernatorial campaign launch, and the Iowa Democrats’ messaging on healthcare. It also discusses a Daven…
- Pints & Politics - November 7, 2025
On November 6, 2025, The Gazette hosted a Pints & Politics event at The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Executive Editor Zack Kucharski, along with guests Ron Corbett and Cindy Garlock, discussed state and local issues. T…
- 2025 Election Review Edition
The On Iowa Politics podcast reviews Iowa local elections, a new Republican candidate for governor, and analyzes national off-year election results for their implications on 2026 in Iowa. The episode features Erin Murphy, Sarah Watson, Jar…
- Rep. Randy Feenstra makes his gubernatorial campaign official
On Iowa Politics Podcast covers Randy Feenstra's official announcement of his candidacy for governor. The episode also addresses reader questions regarding election officials' methods for identifying fraudulent votes and looks ahead to loc…
- No Kings Rallies Edition
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the No Kings rallies in Iowa, Rob Sand's 100th town hall, and the Iowa DOGE report. The episode features political reporters discussing state and national issues affecting Iowa.
- Pints & Politics - October 16, 2025
Pints & Politics features The Gazette and guests discussing Iowa's national, state, and local issues. The event includes audience participation and focuses on community-impacting headlines.
- Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley Interview
Erin Murphy interviews Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley. This interview is part of a series focusing on Iowa's political and government leaders.
- Two Weeks in Iowa Politics Edition
This episode of On Iowa Politics discusses the Des Moines Superintendent situation, the federal government shutdown, and Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ town halls. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the podcast features political reporters from across Iowa…
- Medicaid and Hospitals Edition
This episode features a session from the 2025 Iowa Ideas conference discussing the uncertainty Iowa hospitals face following Medicaid changes. It explores the impact of a fund aimed at rural hospitals and the broader implications for provi…
- New Republican leader chosen for Iowa Senate
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the selection of a new agenda-setting leader for the Iowa Senate and the expansion of the 2nd District Republican primary field. The episode features analysis from political reporters.
- Iowa news in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the resignation of Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, the final public meeting of Iowa DOGE, and news in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination. The podcast features political re…
- Reaction to Charlie Kirk assassination, Iowa politics roundup
This episode of On Iowa Politics features political reporters discussing reactions to a Charlie Kirk assassination report and covering the latest in Iowa politics. Hosted by Erin Murphy, the podcast includes insights from Tom Barton, Maya…
- Joni Ernst shakes up Iowa’s 2026 Elections
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast discusses the impact of Joni Ernst's decision not to seek reelection on the 2026 Iowa elections. The discussion features political reporters from across Iowa.
- Republican supermajority broken in Iowa Senate
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast discusses the breaking of the Republican supermajority in the Iowa Senate following special election results. The hosts also cover topics such as the Quad Cities feeling the Bern, Ashley Hinson’…
- Pints & Politics with special guest Rob Sand - August 21, 2025
On August 21, 2025, Iowa State Auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand was interviewed by Gazette Executive Editor Zack Kucharski on the Pints & Politics podcast. The discussion also featured Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, opinion con…
- August 22, 2025 Edition
The August 22, 2025, episode of On Iowa Politics covers candidates entering and exiting races, new Democratic campaign strategies, and a special election for a seat in the Iowa Legislature. The podcast features political reporters from acr…
- Potential changes to IPERS
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers potential changes to the IPERS system, introduces two additional Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate, and analyzes current campaign communication with voters.
- Chuck Grassley catches bipartisan heat on judicial nominations
On this episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast, the panel discusses Senator Chuck Grassley receiving bipartisan criticism regarding judicial nominations. They also cover Iowa Republicans' actions towards Rob Sand and the ongoing debate su…
- July 25, 2025 Edition
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast covers the latest Congressional candidates and analyzes the Rescissions Act of 2025. Hosted by Erin Murphy with contributions from Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Tom Barton, Jare…
- July 18, 2025 Edition
The July 18, 2025 episode of On Iowa Politics discusses the deportation of an Eastern Iowa man, the Family Leader’s annual event, and new Congressional candidates. The podcast features political reporters from across Iowa discussing local,…
- July 11, 2025 Edition
The On Iowa Politics Podcast covers news and analysis of issues affecting Iowa. This episode catches up on political news following the Fourth of July holiday.
- President Trump is returning to Iowa
The On Iowa Politics podcast covers Donald Trump's return to Iowa, Rob Sand's upcoming tour, and the expansion of the Republican primary field in Western Iowa. Hosted by Erin Murphy with reporting from various Iowa journalists.
- The Gazette's Pints & Politics: Mike Draper, RAYGUN Founder/Owner
Mike Draper, founder and owner of RAYGUN, was the special guest at The Gazette's Pints & Politics event held at The Olympic Southside Theater on June 19, 2025. The discussion, moderated by Zack Kucharski with panelists Todd Dorman, Althea…
- Congressional Campaign Update Edition
This episode of the On Iowa Politics Podcast covers updates in Iowa congressional races, including a new candidate in Iowa-1 and a departure from Iowa-4. It also discusses the Iowa connections to a recent Minnesota shooting.
- Field of U.S. Senate candidates in Iowa grows
On Iowa Politics discusses the expanding U.S. Senate candidate field in Iowa and the consequences of Governor Kim Reynolds' veto on pipeline and property rights legislation. The episode features political reporters from across the state.
- Iowa DOGE Task Force Edition
The On Iowa Politics Podcast discusses the Iowa DOGE Task Force's proposal to reduce the number of counties. The episode also covers new candidates for governor and U.S. Senate, along with a statehouse candidate linked to the Senate campai…
- Big, Beautiful Bill Edition
On Iowa Politics discusses a U.S. House Republican bill covering tax, immigration, and healthcare. The podcast features political reporters analyzing issues affecting Iowa. This episode was hosted by Erin Murphy.