by Jared Barton, reporter
This election, Iowans were faced with a decision for not only their state, but potentially the entire senate.
As Senator Joni Ernst’s current term comes to a close, there is a lot of question regarding her opponent this election cycle: Theresa Greenfield.
For many Iowans, Greenfield is a relatively newer name, throwing her hat in the proverbial ring largely on the basis of single-payer healthcare. She lived in small-town Minnesota for many years before moving to Des Moines where she now resides.
Should Greenfield be elected, Iowa’s seat would switch to blue, adding another democrat to the senate and potentially giving them the majority again for the first time since 2015. Additionally, this will be a close race in other “sway states” like Maine and the Carolinas.
At present, Ernst is focusing on restoring Iowa’s jobs lost due to COVID-19 and the accompanying economic struggles. Greenfield’s primary concern (per her website and campaign materials) is healthcare for all, with jobs and education reform being second on the list.
As is the case with any election, only time will tell, but according to a poll published by Politico on November 1, Ernst is leading by a narrow margin of four points, at 46 percent of those polled supporting Ernst to Greenfield’s 42 percent.
Whatever the outcome, both candidates are grateful for the support and encourage their constituents to vote. October 29, Joni Ernst returned to her hometown, Red Oak, Iowa, with Governor Kim Reynolds as a stop on their “99 Counties Tour” of the state.
As an opening statement to the small crowd gathered in the Firehouse Restaurant, Ernst said,
“I couldn’t have done it without all of your support, truly. You mean a lot to me, and I represent that every single day that I’m serving in Washington, D.C.”
