On Iowa Politics Podcast

The Gazette
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    The latest from the Iowa Capitol

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the podcast: Gov. Kim Reynolds’ private plane, republican gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra’s ad buy and developments in property tax legislation at the Iowa Capitol.This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: 2:33 'A sobering reminder that our freedom is not free': Reynolds offers condolences to families of Iowa soldiers killed in Kuwait https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_78ef53ac-082d-4c34-a069-8123d78393ce.html 3:21 Kim Reynolds clearly has earned her wings https://www.thegazette.com/opinion/kim-reynolds-clearly-has-earned-her-wings/article_1e5a4c72-ea6b-5a1d-bb54-1dd8508f9458.html 15:50 Feenstra campaign touts '7-figure ad buy' highlighting hiswork with Trump https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_4058ccee-5505-4e93-b51d-1b4da2a56e26.html 20:57 First public hearing held on one of many bills designed toaddress Iowans' property taxes https://www.thegazette.com/news/first-public-hearing-held-on-one-of-many-bills-designed-to-address-iowans-property-taxes/article_d56c3479-2703-55f3-a57b-1ecbbb94631e.html 25:36 ‘It is a total overhaul’: Key Iowa Senate lawmaker adamanton passing property tax relief in 2026 https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_8edb3dd2-94ed-4d90-8a1d-96a3cff362e3.html

    36 min

  2. FEB 28

    Iowa’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary heats up

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the podcast: Iowa’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary, more cancer in the Iowa Legislature, and our team’s State of the Union reaction. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Former candidate Sage endorses Turek, criticizes Wahls in Iowa Democrats’ U.S. Senate primary https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/former-candidate-sage-endorses-turek-criticizes-wahls-in-iowa-democrats-u-s-senate-primary/ Outside influence, division grows in Iowa U.S. Senate primary https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-iowa-u-s-senate-primary-heats-up-as-gop-poll-and-democratic-divisions-collide/ Sioux City state Sen. Catelin Drey says she has no signs of cancer after surgery https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/article_0aa3e119-eb92-4810-b321-90238d06f319.html Iowa state Sen. Dave Rowley announces tonsil cancer diagnosis https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/article_5f40bc2f-0eae-4dbc-8d4d-d4df682c4138.html Iowa state Senate OKs use of SAVE to verify immigration statuses for public assistance, voter registration https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_f5f75baa-0fc6-41b1-b846-27744c8a1ac2.html This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

    48 min

  3. FEB 23

    Pints & Politics: February 18, 2026

    Pints & Politics is a year-round gathering featuring The Gazette and special guests from across the state and party lines. National, state, and local issues are covered, with opportunities to zone in on the latest headlines. Attendees participate in audience polls, submit questions, and enjoy time with some of their favorite journalists, columnists, and guests! This beloved event and lively conversation invite attendees to learn more about the issues impacting their community. This event was recorded on February 18, 2026, at CSPS in Cedar Rapids. The Gazette and Presenting Sponsor, the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors, brought this event as part of our year-long series. Panelists include Gazette columnist Todd Dorman, regional editor Zack Kucharski, and special guest Adam B Sullivan. Sullivan is a former columnist and editorial writer at The Gazette, and the author of 'At Liberty,' a column discussing libertarian solutions to issues facing Iowans. The Gazette's Elena Stark moderated the session. The Gazette's Publisher, Rick Green, introduced himself and his love of, and history in, politics.

    1h 20m

  4. FEB 21

    First Funnel Week of 2026 Edition

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week we’re of course going to talk about Funnel Week in the Iowa Legislature, but we also have a few tales to share from the campaign trail in Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnist Althea Cole. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Adam Steen hopes to ride momentum of Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa governor's race https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_ff405dfc-d841-4abd-b057-035fad9144ba.html ‘Tough on crime’ agenda makes it through first Iowa Legislature deadline https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/tough-on-crime-agenda-makes-it-through-first-iowa-legislature-deadline/ Iowa Republicans drop near-total abortion ban proposals https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-republicans-drop-near-total-abortion-ban-proposals/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

    42 min

  5. FEB 13

    Unpacking controversial bills at the Iowa Capitol

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss multiple pieces of controversial legislation at the Iowa Capitol, federal immigration enforcement, and a bill to lure the Chicago Bears to Iowa. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: FIRST FROM THE JOURNAL: Sioux City Rep. J.D. Scholten not seeking reelection https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_c7ffa366-f7bc-4e71-8b27-a567e7993c44.html Bill advanced by Iowa lawmakers would require in-person doctor visits for medication abortion https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_72d193d4-bb21-4d62-ae33-d140dacf9538.html Transgender Iowans protest GOP bills https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/love-not-hate-iowans-protest-gop-bills-targeting-transgender-protections-and-parenting-rules/ UI student accused of ‘trying to assault’ lawmaker as she was escorted out of DEI hearing: https://www.thegazette.com/higher-education/ui-student-accused-of-trying-to-assault-lawmaker-as-she-was-escorted-out-of-dei-hearing/ Opinion: Reynolds can’t stop kicking trans Iowans https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/reynolds-cant-stop-kicking-trans-iowans/ Could Iowa become Chicago Bears’ next home? Bill aims to lure NFL team https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/iowa-lawmakers-pitch-stadium-incentives-to-lure-chicago-bears-across-state-lines/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon.

    52 min

  6. FEB 6

    Congressional Race Fundraising, Straw Polls and Iowa Legislature Edition

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss Congressional race fundraising, caucus intrigue for both parties, news from the Iowa Legislature and more. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Sioux City resident arrested by DHS booked in Woodbury County jail, scope of operations unclear https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/government-politics/article_1b4ba8ac-6e9e-45f2-85fd-b65393b34e72.html Iowa could end school vaccination requirements under bill moving forward https://www.thegazette.com/health-care-medicine/iowa-gop-lawmakers-move-to-end-school-vaccine-requirements/ Iowa lawmakers advance bill prohibiting partnerships between public schools and libraries https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_b674a9e0-ffc5-4962-a348-293a2a82d56c.html Ashley Hinson takes massive fundraising edge in Iowa’s open-seat U.S. Senate campaign https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/ashley-hinson-takes-massive-fundraising-edge-in-iowas-open-seat-u-s-senate-campaign/ Cash advantage gives GOP early boost in Iowa congressional races https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/republicans-hold-cash-edge-in-iowa-congressional-races-heading-into-2026/ Sioux City's Chris McGowan touts Trump endorsement in Fourth Congressional District race https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_37b56447-4ed0-4ec2-930b-83c640ba4c47.html#tracking[…]op-story See who won the Scott County GOP caucus gubernatorial straw poll https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_e72818ed-1cc2-443d-bcdb-cfdc4595b19d.html Grassroots straw polls signal early unrest in Iowa GOP governor’s race https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/iowa-republican-grassroots-signal-unease-with-feenstra-as-county-parties-hold-unsanctioned-straw-pol/ DNC will allow Iowa Democrats to compete for early date for 2028 caucuses https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/dnc-will-allow-iowa-democrats-to-compete-for-early-date-for-2028-caucuses/ This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Get daily Iowa politics updates by signing up for the free On Iowa Politics Newsletter. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com

    49 min

  7. JAN 30

    On Iowa Politics Podcast: President Donald Trump visits Iowa

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we discuss President Trump’s visit to Iowa and so much more: 2026 election shakeups, Republican gubernatorial primary forums, a legislative forum and more. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Iowa Quad-Cities lawmakers look to ramp up energy production in the state: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_9266bc38-061b-4b74-ac9e-0d7f88a97fa2.html Four Republican gubernatorial candidates lay out priorities during Eldridge forum: https://qctimes.com/news/local/government-politics/article_0c1232a3-3fd0-41d8-b594-83e8c242eff8.html Campaign Almanac: Wettach pivots to auditor race; Lundgren halts U.S. House bid: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-iowa-democrat-ending-congressional-bid-to-run-for-state-auditor/ Hundreds of Iowans hear Trump’s call for midterm election support: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/hundreds-of-iowans-hear-trumps-call-for-midterm-election-support-as-thousands-more-protest-his-appe/ Cold weather, hot anger greet Trump in Clive: https://www.thegazette.com/federal-government/thousands-protest-immigration-enforcement-as-trump-visits-clive/ 5 takeaways from Trump's Iowa visit: Dems made up 'affordability,' no governor endorsement: https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_1f005c2c-c847-4f9e-83f3-1001a18c1a40.html This episode was produced by Gazette Social Video Producer Bailey Cichon. Comments: erin.murphy@thegazette.com, bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

    50 min

  8. JAN 23

    The latest from the campaign trail and the Capitol

    On Iowa Politics is a weekly news and analysis podcast that aims to recreate the kinds of conversations that happen when you get political reporters from across Iowa together after the day’s deadlines have been met. Tackling anything from local to state to national, On Iowa Politics is your weekly dose of analysis and insight into the issues affecting Iowa. This week on the On Iowa Politics podcast, we dig deep into recently published state campaign fundraising reports, everybody’s property tax flags have now been planted, and we hear from our columnists on the Cedar Rapids Schools budget situation. This episode was hosted by the Gazette Des Moines Bureau Chief Erin Murphy. It features Gazette Deputy Bureau Chief Tom Barton, Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Maya Marchel Hoff, Sarah Watson of the Quad City Times, Jared McNett of the Sioux City Journal and Gazette columnists Althea Cole and Todd Dorman. Read the articles mentioned in this episode: Opinion: Past decisions play role in CR schools’ current problems: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/past-decisions-play-role-in-cr-schools-current-problems/ Opinion: Much is at stake in Cedar Rapids school closure debate: https://www.thegazette.com/staff-columnists/much-is-at-stake-in-school-closure-debate/ Rob Sand raised $9.5M last year in his campaign for Iowa governor: https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/rob-sand-raised-9-5m-last-year-without-help-from-family-in-his-campaign-for-iowa-governor/ Eminent domain restrictions on pipeline projects pass Iowa House: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/eminent-domain-restrictions-on-pipeline-projects-pass-iowa-house/ Iowa House Republicans add third property tax plan to GOP debate: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/third-gop-property-tax-proposal-emerges-as-iowa-lawmakers-debate-how-to-cut-tax-bills/

    51 min
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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.

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