Parties set fields for Iowa legislative races.
Despite the unsettled nature of the coronavirus outbreak and the Iowa Legislature's pause for 30 days to slow the virus' spread, the field of legislative candidates for the state's June primary is now set.
Iowa Democrats are hoping to retake the state House of Representatives after November's election. But Republicans, who currently hold a 53-47 advantage in the House, say they have plenty of places for them to go on offense.
In the Iowa Senate, Republicans hold a large majority which Democrats will try to whittle down. The GOP holds 32 seats in the chamber to Democrats' 18. Nineteen of those Republican-held senate seats are up for reelection this year compared to six held by Democrats.
Eight House Republicans and seven Senate Republicans are retiring this year, while two Democrats are retiring from the House and no Senate Democrat has announced retirement plans. Iowa's filing deadline was March 13, although both parties can meet to nominate candidates at a special convention ahead of the planned June 2 primary.
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/21/iowa-legislature-competitive-statehouse-races-republican-democrat-suburbs-coronavirus/2867425001/