US EditionDes Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris Running for Joni Ernst's US Senate Seat
POLK COUNTY, IOWA, AUG 5 – Jackie Norris emphasizes economic challenges like child care and health care costs while becoming the fourth Democrat to challenge for the Iowa U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
- On Tuesday, Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris launched her bid for U.S. Senate, seeking the seat held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst and entering the June 2, 2026 primary.
- Drawing on her campaign pedigree, Norris helped elect Tom Vilsack in 1998 and organized for Barack Obama’s 2008 Iowa caucus effort, also serving as Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff.
- Highlighting her educator perspective, Norris says Americans are concerned about rising costs, and `If over half of the U.S. Senate were teachers and former educators, things would be so different`, Norris said.
- With that entry, Norris becomes the fourth Democrat in Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate primary, joining Wahls, Scholten and Sage, as Ernst has not yet said if she will seek reelection.
- Looking ahead to Nov. 3, 2026, Sabato’s Crystal Ball, the Cook Political Report and Inside Elections rate Iowa’s Senate race as likely Republican.
27 Articles
27 Articles
997wpro.com
Ex-Michelle Obama Aide Launches Senate Bid in Iowa
Jackie Norris, onetime chief of staff to former first lady Michelle Obama, launched a bid for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, becoming the fourth Democrat to challenge Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in Iowa. Norris, the Des Moines school board chair, worked on the campaigns of former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and former President Barack Obama. She joins a field of Democrats that so far consists of Nathan Sage, state Rep. J.D. Scholten, and state Sen. Zach …
Denver Gazette
Washington ExaminerFormer Michelle Obama aide Jackie Norris announces Senate challenge to Joni Ernst
Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris announced her campaign Tuesday for Senate in Iowa. Norris previously served as the chief of staff for former First Lady Michelle Obama, and is currently serving on the board of the largest school…
Democrat Jackie Norris launches US Senate bid against Joni Ernst
Norris launched her campaign, positioning herself as a problem-solver focused on “invisible burdens” like the mental health and childcare crises facing Iowa families. Democrat Jackie Norris announced Tuesday she’s running to represent Iowa in the US Senate, becoming the third major Democratic candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Joni Ernst in what’s expected to be one of the most competitive races of 2026. Norris currently chairs the Des …
Southernminn.com
Jackie Norris, Des Moines school board chair, launches U.S. Senate campaign
Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris became the latest candidate to join the race for U.S. Senate Tuesday, saying she wants to focus on family issues like child care, education and housing. Norris, a Democrat, has a long history…
Iowa's Norris says it's 'time for an educator' in U.S. Senate campaign launch
Saying "It's time for an educator in the Senate," Des Moines school board member Jackie Norris launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. Norris, a Democrat, also is a former high school government and history teacher and small…
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