The latest ITR Foundation Poll reveals that Iowa voters want permanent protection against tax increases and a political environment that is pointing toward close races up and down the ballot in November.
Taxpayer Protection
Nearly three-quarters of Iowa voters (73.8%) support an amendment to Iowa’s constitution requiring a supermajority vote to raise taxes. Seventy-one percent of voters support this constitutional safeguard, with only 12% opposed. Support is strong across party lines, including 75% of Independents. The amendment will be on the ballot this fall.
ITR President Chris Hagenow said, “Across party lines, nearly three in four Iowans are ready to write stronger taxpayer protections permanently into our constitution.”
Statewide Races
In the governor’s race, State Auditor Rob Sand leads Zach Lahn 47.7% to 43.4%. In the U.S. Senate race, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson holds a narrow lead (46.0% to 44.2%) over Josh Turek. Meanwhile, Attorney General Brenna Bird maintains an advantage over Nate Willems, 43.6% to 39.0%.
Other Findings from the Poll
- A plurality of Iowans are optimistic about the state’s direction, with 47.5% saying Iowa is on the right track and 45.3% on the wrong track. By contrast, 44.5% of Iowans say the country is moving in the right direction, versus 50.5% who say it is on the wrong track.
- The generic congressional ballot in Iowa shows a narrow Republican edge of 47.5% to 44.1%
- Voter priorities are dominated by pocketbook concerns. Inflation and economy (19%) and taxes and government spending (15%) lead the field. Taxes rank first among Republicans at 22%, while Democrats prioritize “threats to democracy”, and Independents prioritize inflation at 27% for each.
- 44% of voters support Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), compared with 32% who oppose them.
Hagenow added, “Iowa is competitive from top to bottom this cycle. Every statewide race is within striking distance heading into November.”