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DES MOINES -- Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the results of the unscientific Iowa State Fair Straw Poll. The poll, which closed Sunday at 8 p.m., allowed fairgoers to cast a preference for candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial, senatorial and congressional races. Nearly 3,000 fairgoers participated in the 2026 state fair straw poll, using tablets at the Iowa Secretary of State’s booth in the Varied Industries Building to select their preferred candidates.
"Traditionally, the straw poll has offered a useful snapshot of how Iowans are feeling headed into an election, but its larger purpose is to inspire people across the state to engage in the elections process," Pate said. "With the midterm election approaching on Nov. 3, now is the moment to make sure your voice counts and influence the future of your community. November will arrive quickly, so it's a great time to start making your plan to vote."
Below are percentage totals for gubernatorial, senatorial and congressional votes cast throughout the 11 days of the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
• Governor and Lieutenant Governor
Zach Lahn/Derek Wulf (R), 63.68%, 1,757 votes cast
Rob Sand/Dave Muhlbauer (D), 36.32%, 1,002 votes cast
• U.S. Senate
Ashley Hinson (R), 64.03%, 1,762 votes cast
Josh Turek (D), 33.36%, 918 votes cast
Thomas Laehn (L), 2.61%, 72 votes cast
• Congressional District 1
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R), 65.92%, 296 votes
Christina Bohannan (D), 30.07%, 135 votes
Michael Bridgford (NP), 4.01%, 18 votes
• Congressional District 2
Joe Mitchell (R), 69.72%, 274 votes
Lindsay James (D), 23.92%, 94 votes
Rick Stewart (L), 3.56%, 14 votes
Dave Bushaw (NP), 2.80%, 11 votes
• Congressional District 3
Zach Nunn (R), 64.51% 876 votes
Sarah Trone Garriott (D), 35.49%, 482 votes
• Congressional District 4
Chris McGowan (R), 70.73%, 360 votes
Dave Dawson (D), 29.72%, 149 votes
Pate also polled fairgoers on their favorite Iowa State Fair foods and butter sculptures.
The state fair cookies were the top choice for fair food, receiving 37% of votes (986 total). Pork chop on a stick closely followed, receiving 30% of votes (797 total).
Jack Trice, Kurt Warner and Caitlin Clark easily took top place for most iconic butter sculpture(s), receiving nearly 40% of votes (1,004 total).
All results are unscientific and unofficial. Fairgoers who visited the booth could also register to vote for the upcoming election and learn about various programs from the Secretary's Elections and Business Services Divisions.
Full results are available at sos.iowa.gov/statefairpoll.