Democrats look for a foothold in Iowa as Vance visits to boost GOP candidate

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After years of coming up short, Democrats think they can make Iowa a political battleground again. Republican Donald Trump may have won the state by double digits in the last presidential election, but growing dissatisfaction with his leadership and rising costs from the Iran war could help set the stage for Democrats to make previously unattainable gains. WATCH: Which states to watch as the battle for Senate control heats up ahead of 2026 midterms Iowa Democrats plan to have 60 field organizers on the ground by June, nearly double from eight years ago during the midterm elections of Trump's first term. Another two dozen people will staff a coordinated campaign that's intended to support candidates for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate, among others. "Iowa is still, in my view, a purple state," state party chair Rita Hart said in an interview. "We just haven't given them an opportunity to show that lately." Republicans insist that Iowa will remain red, but White House travel plans suggest there may be some concern. Vice President JD Vance is visiting on Tuesday to support Rep. Zach Nunn, who represents Des Moines, its suburbs and the state's rural center.