What Will It Take to Win?

How Far Are You Willing to Go?

By Doug Smith

July 11, 2026

Democrats have a golden opportunity in this year’s midterm elections.  Many people, even lifelong Republicans, are getting sick of GOP control over our country and our state.  President Trump’s approval numbers (37%) are at their lowest point ever, and Governor Reynolds’ approval rate (43%) is one of the lowest in the country. 

How can Democrats take advantage of this situation?  I believe there are three keys to victory this fall: getting the right candidates, with the right messages, then supporting them with our hard work and money.

Candidates:  Here in Black Hawk County, we have great candidates in all the contested elections.   

Message:  We have the best message possible this year… stop the insanity!  Democracy itself is under attack, our civil and human rights are being taken away, and prices for everything are going through the roof!  Our message this year is about restoring affordability and making life better for every Iowan.  It’s a message of world-class public education, living wages, affordable healthcare, and clean water.  That’s a positive message YOU can share with your family, friends, and neighbors.

Support: We need you to vote on Election Day, November 3^rd, but your county Democratic Party needs more from you this year.  We need you to donate your time to help the candidate(s) of your choice.  Who is running for Iowa House and Senate where you live?  Who is running to be your County Supervisor?  Find out, then ask how you can help them.  Every candidate needs dozens of volunteers to knock on doors and make phone calls and send postcards to voters, and these are things most of us can do.  It just takes YOU to stand up and say “I’m ready to work.” 

Yes, support also means donating money.  I know, you’re sick of fundraising messages… we all are.  But here’s the thing: your donations make victory possible.  Your donations pay for yard signs and flyers.  Candidates need to pay for specialized software to help volunteers knock on the right doors.  Your county party needs donations to rent office space and respond to voter engagement opportunities to support our candidates.  The amount you donate is not the important thing… you may think your $10 or $20 doesn’t matter, but it DOES!  Every donation makes a difference. 

And in case you’re wondering, nobody is getting paid to do this.  We’re all volunteers.  The money goes to further the cause of good government, not into anyone’s pocket. 

Black Hawk County Democrats are asking a lot of you this year, perhaps more than ever before.  But we cannot let this golden opportunity slip through our fingers!  The time to act is NOW!  How far are you willing to go?  How hard are you willing to work?  It’s one thing to complain and protest and post things on your social media.  But are you willing to roll up your sleeves and do the hard work of knocking on doors and making calls and writing postcards and doing all the things that our Democratic candidates need if they’re going to win?  This is a TEAM EFFORT… we don’t just send the candidates out to meet the voters with a hearty “good luck!”  We must go with them by doing all the behind-the-scenes work that it takes to win elections. 

Are you ready?  Let’s go!!!  First stop, visit https://www.blackhawkdemocrats.com/

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