Former Iowa Rep. Abby Finkenauer to Run for Senate in 2022
July 22, 2021
Former U.S. Rep Abby Finkenauer of Iowa announced Thursday she would seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate next year.
I'm Abby Finkenauer, and I'm running for U.S. Senate because Iowa—and our Democracy—are worth fighting for.
— Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) July 22, 2021
After 46 years in DC, @ChuckGrassley has lost touch with both.
I'm from a proud union family. We don't back down. I'm in this to win.
Join us: https://t.co/28EVInMyva pic.twitter.com/NKvrJruAjW
The current incumbent is Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley. He first won election in 1980 and is currently the second most senior member of the U.S. Senate, behind only Vermont's Patrick Leahy (D). Grassley, who will be 88 in September, has not yet announced whether he will seek an 8th term in 2022.
Most analysts see the race as safely Republican given Grassley's long tenure and the increasingly red lean of the state. However, that could change should Grassley retire and Democrats field a strong nominee. Iowa is one of 34 U.S. Senate seats up for election in 2022.
Finkenauer served one term representing Iowa's first congressional district. She defeated incumbent Republican Rod Blum by about 5% in 2018. Her 2020 reelection bid fell short, losing to Republican Ashley Hinson by 2.5%.
