Preparing for the Upcoming General Elections
As we look towards the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2026, below are RSAI resources to help school leaders establish relationships and talk with candidates about issues around education in Iowa. So few people actually engage in the advocacy process that those who do have disproportionate power. Break through the social media noise to establish personal relationships with legislators right now, ahead of the election.
Advocacy During An Election Year Handout
Use this Advocacy During An Election Year one-page RSAI resource for steps to connect with candidates before the 2026 General Election.
Sample Questions for Legislators/Candidates
This RSAI resource is designed to help school leaders prepare for legislator/candidate discussions in order to build relationships and understand their beliefs around important policy issues. Download the 2024 Questions for Candidates resource and personalize it ahead of meetings with candidates. (The 2026 version will be published soon.)
Find Your Candidates
First, find your district's Senate and House District #s (if you don’t already know them). Go to this legislative website https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find and select "Find by school" (tab on the right), and then select your school district from the dropdown menu. The page will show you all senators and representatives who represent any voters in your school district, including their legislative district numbers.
Then, the Iowa Secretary of State Website has a list of all general election candidates and their contact information, along with other general election information. All House seats are up for election, and half of the Senate seats (in 2026, the even-numbered Senate districts have an election while the odd-numbered districts have two years remaining on their term). Find the list of 2026 Primary Election Candidates.
Reach Out to Candidates
- Plan a meeting with candidates ahead of the General Election.
“Can we sit down and talk about your views on education in Iowa? Where do you get your information on education proposals and how they will impact your constituents? Here’s what I see in our schools. What do you hear from voters on these topics? How can I help? How can I contact you about education issues?” - Share RSAI Position Papers or other resources as leave behind resources for them to review.
- Talk about how your district is using its federal funds and your future plans.
- Ask for their support and commitment to issues important to your district.
- Show up to support them if they confirm support.
- Coordinate and work with others who could care about public education (business/chamber leaders, city/county government leaders, local Farm Bureau chapter, law enforcement, parent advocacy groups, school leaders, retirees, etc.).
- Say “thank you” regularly.
Invite Candidates to your School
Use the "Show & Tell with Legislators" tools linked below to inform, engage, and educate legislators and candidates. This is a collaborative effort by RSAI and SAI to engage all 150 Iowa legislators to visit a public school each year.
Other Resources
RSAI is here to support members in their advocacy efforts and is glad to help prepare talking points or accompanying data specific to member districts or any other supports needed ahead of these conversations. Keep RSAI informed of relationships and contacts with candidates/legislators now and throughout the year.
We thank you for your advocacy efforts on behalf of the students of Iowa!