How education and abortion are dividing Iowa's Republican statehouse primaries

Good morning.

It's Monday, and lawmakers are back to work on the state budget and, possibly, wrap up the session.

That means by the time you read Tuesday's newsletter, there's a chance a lot has happened — and also a chance that very little has. (We all know how legislative time works by now, right?)

Stephen Gruber-Miller and I will update you on everything as the week goes on. Meanwhile, we're focusing today's newsletter on some of the intrigue happening outside the Capitol: primary elections.

House Republicans this year have 25 competitive primary races, including 10 that involve incumbents. Republicans hold a 60-40 majority in the House, and if they maintain it, this year's slate of primaries could have implications on how Iowa approaches issues like education, abortion and gender identity in the future.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has already endorsed the opponent of an incumbent Republican who opposes her hallmark "school choice" bill. That's become an issue in several of the races, and it's unclear if Reynolds is finished wading into them.

Meanwhile, three Republicans who voted against a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the Iowa Constitution are also facing competitive primaries.

And, in three of this year's races, Republican incumbents are facing one another for their party's nomination — a product of the once-in-a-decade redistricting cycle.

Stephen and I have more on these races here.

And, before you go, Politico profiled state Rep. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, including her background as a keyboard player in the 1990s alternative rock scene.

This is Ian, probably sitting in some alcove of the Capitol waiting for something to happen as you're reading this. Have thoughts on the session? Predictions for when they will adjourn? You can reach me at irichardson@registermedia.com.

And, as always, encourage your friends to subscribe here.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How education and abortion are dividing Iowa's Republican statehouse primaries