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US Rep. Zach Nunn reconsidering whether to run for Iowa governor, source says

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US Rep. Zach Nunn reconsidering whether to run for Iowa governor, source says


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  • U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn had previously taken the option of running for governor off the table.
  • Now that Attorney General Brenna Bird has decided to forego a campaign, a senior source within Nunn’s operation said the primary field is “reset.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn is reconsidering his decision to run for governor in 2026 now that Attorney General Brenna Bird has decided to forego a campaign, a senior source within Nunn’s operation told the Des Moines Register.

Nunn, who is serving in one of the country’s top targeted congressional districts, had previously taken the option of running for governor off the table.

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“The reality is, Brenna choosing not to run changes the dynamics of the race tremendously,” the source said. “So in our view, the primary is reset.”

Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds made a surprise announcement in April that she would not seek reelection, opening up the potential for a crowded Republican primary to succeed her.

Bird, a Republican, was one of Republican President Donald Trump’s highest profile Iowa endorsers in the lead-up to the 2024 Iowa caucuses, and she was expected by many to jump into the gubernatorial race with Trump’s endorsement. But she announced July 2 she would instead run for reelection as attorney general.

A Trump endorsement would have given Bird an enormous edge with a Republican primary electorate that is still very supportive of the president.

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If Nunn does choose to run for governor, rather than seek reelection, the 3rd District race would face its own reset.

Nunn flipped the swing district in favor of Republicans in 2022 and held the closely contested seat again 2024.

Elections analysts at the Cook Political Report rate the race as “leans Republican.” But without an incumbent Republican defending it, the 3rd District could become more competitive.

So far, two Democratic candidates — state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott and state Rep. Jennifer Konfrst — have launched congressional campaigns against Nunn.

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The source within Nunn’s operation said their team would be helpful in finding a successor to run in his place, and they believe a strong candidate at the top of the ticket will boost Republicans’ prospects across the board.

Two other Republicans have already formed gubernatorial campaigns: state Rep. Eddie Andrews and former state legislator Brad Sherman. 

And U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra and state Sen. Mike Bousselot have mounted exploratory committees. Some of Feenstra’s colleagues endorsed his campaign following Bird’s announcement, including U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Feenstra in particular has moved aggressively toward a formal launch, including launching statewide television ads.

State Auditor Rob Sand and political operative Julie Stauch have launched campaigns on the Democratic side.

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Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.



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Iowa Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 3 Midday results for May 8, 2026

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The Iowa Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big with rewards ranging from $1,000 to millions. The most an Iowan has ever won from playing the lottery was $343 million in 2018 off the Powerball.

Don’t miss out on the winnings. Here’s a look at Friday, May 8, 2026, winning numbers for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick-3 numbers from May 8 drawing

Midday: 0-5-8

Evening: 9-9-2

Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick-4 numbers from May 8 drawing

Midday: 0-2-7-3

Evening: 0-7-0-6

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Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Iowa Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 3 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 3 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 4 (Day): 12:20 p.m. CT daily.
  • Pick 4 (Evening): 10:00 p.m. CT daily.
  • Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Iowa editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Iowa SNAP restrictions raise concerns over confusion, impact on summer food aid

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Iowa SNAP restrictions raise concerns over confusion, impact on summer food aid


Iowa’s new restrictions on SNAP benefits are drawing concern from advocates who say the changes could make it harder for families to buy food and could put future summer assistance for children at risk.

The state’s SNAP waiver took effect January 1, 2026, limiting what items can be purchased based on Iowa’s taxable food list. While that includes widely discussed restrictions on soda and candy, the policy also affects certain prepared foods, creating confusion for shoppers.

“Something as small as whether or not a utensil is included in a food item actually impacts whether or not you can continue to purchase that item using your SNAP benefits,” Paige Chickering, Iowa State Manager for the Save the Children Action Network, said.

Advocates say the rules can be difficult to navigate, especially for people relying on quick meals. Items like prepackaged salads or sandwiches may or may not qualify depending on how they are packaged.

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At the same time, new legislation slated for the next session at the statehouse could make those restrictions more permanent by requiring Iowa to continue seeking federal approval for the waiver.

That’s raising additional concerns about the future of Summer EBT, also known as “Sun Bucks,” which provides food assistance to children when school is out.

“This makes that food assistance dependent on a decision made in Washington, D.C. that is just arbitrary and not really dependent on the needs of Iowans and Iowa children,” Chickering said.

The program is expected to help around 220,000 children in Iowa during the summer months. Advocates worry leaving it up to federal approval of the waiver could jeopardize that support if policies change. They also point out that SNAP plays a major role in addressing hunger compared to other resources.

“We know that for every one meal provided by an emergency feeding organization, SNAP provides nine,” Chickering said.

Advocates say they support improving nutrition but argue there are more effective, evidence based ways to do that without limiting food choices.

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For now, organizations across Iowa are working to help families understand the new rules, while also pushing lawmakers to reconsider how the policy could impact food access moving forward.



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Harkin backs Turek for Iowa Senate

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Harkin backs Turek for Iowa Senate


Scoop: Iowa Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek snagged a major endorsement for his Senate bid from former Sen. Tom Harkin.

Harkin, who retired in 2015, was the last Democrat to represent Iowa in the Senate. Turek is locked in a competitive primary with state Sen. Zach Wahls in a race that has divided major factions of the Democratic Party.

“I have a pretty good idea of what it takes to win an election, and then to faithfully represent all Iowans, not just those who voted for you,” Harkin said in his endorsement. “That’s why I’m supporting Josh Turek.”

Harkin served in the Senate for 30 years and is the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Turek, who was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair, was 11 when the ADA was enacted.

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Harkin is a widely sought after endorsement in the Hawkeye State. His decision to wade into the race is notable because Harkin also has a relationship with Wahls.

Wahls called Harkin “one of my closest political mentors,” and said the former senator officiated his wedding in 2021.

Iowa’s Senate primaries are June 2.



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