As the government shutdown drags into another week, the blame game in Washington is already spilling into next year’s campaigns. It could have implications for Iowa's key 2026 races.

For the first time in nearly 60 years, Iowans will head into an election without an incumbent for governor or U.S. Senate, and at least two highly competitive congressional races. But before any of that, the fight over the shutdown could shape which party starts the 2026 cycle with momentum.

Democratic strategist Matt Paul said it’s unclear how much the shutdown will influence voters a year from now.

"We'll see how long memories last into the midterm elections," Paul said. "It seems like topics of the day fueling and driving turn out to become shorter and shorter."

While both parties are pointing fingers

See Full Page