2026 general election is here

Early voting available today at Webster Co. Courthouse; polls open on Tuesday

After months of campaigning, the 2026 general election has arrived.

In Webster County, voters can cast their ballots from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today in the Webster County Courthouse.

All polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. A list of polling places and a map showing their locations is on page AX of today's edition of The Messenger.

Voters in and around Webster County will be picking a U.S. senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, a governor, members of the state House of Representatives, and various other state and county officials.

The ballot also includes a referendum asking if a two-thirds majority of lawmakers should be required to pass any increase in the state income tax.

Here is a summary of candidates on the ballot.

U.S. Senate

State Rep. Josh Turek, Democrat

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, Republican

Thomas Laehn, Libertarian

U.S. House of Representatives, Fourth District

Dave Dawson, Democrat

Chris McGowan, Republican

Governor/lieutenant governor

Rob Sand/Dave Muhlbauer, Democrat

Zach Lahn/Derek Wulf, Republican

Secretary of State

Ryan Peterman, Democrat

Paul Pate, Republican, incumbent

Iowa Attorney General

Nate Willems, Democrat

Brenna Bird, Republican, incumbent

State Treasurer

John Norwood, Democrat

Roby Smith, Republican, incumbent

Auditor of State

Taylor Wettach, Democrat

Chris Cournoyer, Republican

Secretary of Agriculture

Chris Jones, Democrat

Mike Naig, Republican, incumbent

State House of Representatives, District 7

Rachel Burns, Democrat

Wendy Larson, Republican, incumbent

State House of Representatives, District 8

Kris Williams, Democrat

Ann Meyer, Republican, incumbent

Webster County Board of Supervisors, District 1

Austin Hayek, Republican incumbent, is unopposed

Webster County Board of Supervisors, District 4

Niki Conrad, Democratic incumbent, is unopposed

Webster County Recorder

Courtney Bender Balkenende, Democratic incumbent

Tina Eldal, Republican

Webster County Attorney

Darren Driscoll, Democratic incumbent, is unopposed

Webster County Auditor

Krystal Lloyd, Democratic incumbent, is unopposed

Webster County Treasurer

Brenda Angstrom, Democratic incumbent, is unopposed