Iowa 2026 Republican Caucus
7pm Monday February 2nd
What is a Caucus?
A caucus is the first step in the grassroots political process. Precinct Caucuses are local meetings run by your local Republican Party where neighbors connect, share ideas, and take concrete steps toward shaping the future of our communities. They are about civic engagement, strengthening our shared values, and helping elect leaders who will protect our families and our freedoms. ​
Why Your Participation Matters
Caucuses are about more than "politics," they are about unity, shared purpose, and empowering everyday citizens to guide the direction of both local communities and the state of Iowa. Going to a caucus is a great way to show support for a candidate, raise an issue that’s important to you, influence the future and direction of the party, and meet like-minded people in your community. Consider the age-old saying: "The world is run and decisions are made by those who show up". Your participation strengthens our local party and brings us closer to meaningful victories in 2026. Civic engagement requires more than just a vote on Election Day.
Who Can Participate?
To participate, you must be eligible to vote in the next general election and live in the precinct. That includes anyone who is 17, but will be 18 on or by November 3rd, 2026. You also must generally agree with the principles the party. Here is a link to our State Party Platform. The Caucus is open to all registered Republicans, and we offer voter registration at check-in.
When and Where is my Precinct Caucus?
Caucuses will be held on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at 7:00 p.m
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We encourage attendees to arrive between 6:00 and 6:30pm to register and mingle with their neighbors.
What Happens at Caucus?
You will hear from candidates, elect delegates to your County Convention, elect County Central Committee members, and start the party platform process. Caucus goers will also learn about volunteer opportunities that will help elect Republicans at all levels in 2026.
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Caucus is also the first step to becoming a delegate for the 2026 Republican Conventions that will follow. Convention Delegates consider alterations to the party platform, Constitution and Bylaws and they elect delegates to subsequent conventions and elect members to party leadership positions. 
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Yur County Convention (March 7th)
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The 4th Congressional District Convention (April 25th)
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The Iowa State Convention (June 13th).
Why Should I Become a Convention Delegate?
Convention delegates can influence policy and the future of the party by voting on platform proposals that may be advanced forward to State Convention and the State Party Platform.​
Under Iowa law, if no primary candidate receives at least 35% of the vote, the nomination is decided by delegates at a convention. In other words, if there’s no clear winner, a few hundred convention delegates can choose the nominee — and they are legally allowed to pick anyone.
With crowded Republican fields for Iowa Governor, the 4th Congressional District, and the contested Senate District 5 Primary, a convention-picked nominee is more possible in 2026 than it’s been in years.​
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Another little-known responsibility that State Convention Delegates have is electing the Lieutenant Governor candidate. Most of the time, the gubernatorial nominee announces who they want to be their running mate, and the delegates formally nominate that person without much fanfare. However, that is not always the case. An example of this occurred in Indiana during a recent election. With 52% of the vote, a pastor became the Lieutenant Governor nominee, even though the Gubernatorial nominee and President Trump wanted someone else!
How do I propose a platform plank for the Party Platform?
If you would like to propose a platform plank, we'd urge that you review the current 2024 State Party Platform available here. You can complete the blank Platform Proposal form here and use it to present your written platform proposal for consideration at the caucus.
Why Should I Become a Central Committee member?
If you are looking to get more involved and want to participate at the grassroots level, joining your county Central Committee offers a great opportunity for you to make a difference! New Central Committee Members will be elected at the Caucus.
The Central Committee (CC) is the heart and hands of your local party. The committee conducts the ongoing business of the local party and works to elect local Republican candidates. Yes it is work, but it is also fun, worthwhile, and is an opportunity to work with like-minded neighbors to make a difference! CC Members are elected for a 2-year period.