3 Democrats running for US Senate in June 7 Primary
Three Democrats and two Republicans are all hoping to represent Iowans in the U.S. Senate.
vlog Political Analyst Dennis Goldford says independent voters will be crucial: "What will previous independent supporters of senator Grassley do? Will they vote for a new face even if it's a democrat, or will they continue to support senator grassley even though he's been in the senate for for almost 40 years already at this particular point?"
But before Democrats and Republicans can face off in the U.S. Senate election in November, each party will select its own nominee. Abby Finkenauer, Michael Franken and Glenn Hurst are all on the ballot for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate during the June 7 primary.
The seat is currently held by Republican Senator Charles Grassley — the nation's second longest-serving senator. Grassley has served six terms and is running for reelection.
vlog's Amanda Rooker sat down with all three candidates running for the Democratic nomination.
"I feel like I have my finger on the pulse of Iowa politics and what rural Iowans care about. And I know how to win," Hurst said.
Finkenauer said she is running because she "worried about Iowa, our country and democracy."
Franken said he would be a "strong voice, steel-jawed, for democracy in the future."
It is Glenn's first congressional campaign, but Finkenauer and Franken are familiar with runs for Washington.
"Franken made a run last time in the primary to run against Ernst. He's, he's well regarded by a lot of people across both parties. And of course, Abby Finkenauer, who lost her district after one term, that doesn't bode well for her," Goldford said. "But remember, Senator Grassley is an institution here in Iowa, that doesn't mean that some Republicans don't think it's time for him to step down."
Grassley also faces a primary challenger. State Sen. Jim Carlin will appear on the Republican ballot on June 7.
vlog will have in-depth coverage of the Democratic primary race for Iowa's Senate seat all week as part of our Commitment 2022 coverage.
