A Marker
Today marks 180 days before the November general election. Six months. Half a year.
At the same time, it seems like forever…and that it will be here before you know it.
Obviously, there’s the main attraction of a Trump-Biden rematch. But obviously we have major races in the state of Iowa, including all four congressional seats. Two of the four GOP incumbents have to first get past a primary challenge on June 4th.
Then we have all 100 seats in the Iowa House of Representatives up for grabs. Beyond that, one half of the 50 seats in the state Senate are on the November ballot. That will be interesting, because it’s the first time since redistricting that those 25 seats will be before voters…meaning incumbents who have cruised to re-election in the past in their old district may find it more challenging now…and vice versa.
And of course, there are major races across the country that will determine if the president who takes the oath on January 20, 2025 will be working with a Congress of his party, of the opposition party, or divided—and whether those majorities will be razor thin as is the case now, or with a little more working room.
There is the danger to be overwhelmed by it all, or at the least fatigued. After all, politics is a full-time sport in Iowa…the caucuses are not even four months in the rear view mirror and already there are folks making their way to the state to introduced themselves to Iowa voters for some race four or even eight years in the future.
But whatever you do, resist the temptation to check out. Taking a break here and there is fine, and actually better for all of our mental health. But come back. We need informed citizens to participate—not just to cast ballots, but to work for candidates and causes they believe in, and urge friends to come along.
The system only works if we do that. And these times in which we live demand that of us. It’s too important.
And it’s only 180 days away…for good, or bad.
