Senator Chuck Grassley addresses potential Senate succession

Senator Chuck Grassley, the oldest sitting U.S. Senator, expressed concerns regarding the potential for a Democratic governor to appoint his successor should he die in office. Speaking at the Republican Party of Iowa’s Reagan Dinner in West Des Moines, the 93-year-old Republican stated, “I don’t want a Democrat governor choosing my successor.”

Under Iowa law, if a Senate seat becomes vacant due to death or resignation, the sitting governor selects a replacement to serve until the next general election. Grassley, who is currently in his eighth term, has not yet announced if he will run for re-election in 2028.

The upcoming gubernatorial election in Iowa features Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn. If a vacancy occurs within the next two years, the winner of this election would hold the power to make the temporary appointment. Current Republican Governor Kim Reynolds would make such an appointment if the vacancy occurred before the next governor takes office.