As summer turns to fall, ITR Live returns with fresh energy for the political season. Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson kick off the episode by recapping the post–Labor Day shift when campaigns and legislative conversations get serious again. With schools back in session and vacations over, the political calendar is heating up, and ITR Live is here to break it all down.

The discussion opens with the latest update in the 2026 governor’s race as Adam Steen joins the field. Chris and John examine how his late entry could affect the dynamics, what messages Republican candidates are testing, and how Rob Sand is using his uncontested path on the Democratic side to shape a negative narrative about Iowa’s policies. The hosts push back, reminding listeners that Iowa’s fiscal track record is strong, taxpayer-focused, and worth defending.

Next, the episode covers the big news in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race. Senator Joni Ernst has announced she will not seek reelection, setting the stage for Ashley Hinson to emerge as the frontrunner. Chris and John explain why Hinson’s ground game and deep connections across Iowa make her a formidable candidate, while also highlighting the open congressional seat this creates in northeast Iowa.

Finally, the hosts turn to Iowa’s revenue picture. With the flat tax now in place, income tax collections are down — by design. Chris and John emphasize that lower collections are not a crisis but a sign that taxpayers are keeping more of their money. The real challenge is on the spending side. They argue that lawmakers must resist new spending commitments, look critically at exemptions and giveaways, and stay focused on fiscal discipline.