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Admiral Mike Franken Joins Iowa Senate Race

Another Democrat has joined the Iowa Senate race. Admiral Mike Franken of Sioux City is looking to unseat Republican Senator Chuck Grassley in next year's midterm election.

A retired three-star Navy admiral, Franken highlights his military experience and the fact that he voted against the invasion of Iraq during a Pentagon planning meeting in 2002.

Franken previously ran in the Democratic Senate primary two years ago, but came second to Theresa Greenfield—who ultimately lost to Senator Joni Ernst in the 2020 general election.

Four other Democrats are also running for Senate next year: former state representatives Abby Finkenauer and Bob Krause, as well as Minden City Council member Glenn Hurst and former Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer.

In addition to incumbent Senator Chuck Grassley, one Republican is running: State Senator Jim Carlin.

The 2022 Iowa primary election is on June 7, and the general election is on November 8.

Aaryan Balu first set foot in audio journalism at WTJU Charlottesville and WRIR Richmond, and now works as WVIK Quad Cities NPR's Fellowship Host.