Iowa Democrat Nathan Sage Challenges Sen. Joni Ernst, Targets Musk's Influence

Iowa Democrat Nathan Sage has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Republican Joni Ernst and openly criticizing tech billionaire Elon Musk’s influence in politics.

In a bold move against the backdrop of Iowa’s political landscape, Nathan Sage, a Marine and Army veteran, has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2026 U.S. Senate election, aiming to unseat Republican Senator Joni Ernst. Sage, who currently serves as the executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, launched his campaign with a video that not only introduces his working-class background but also takes a direct shot at the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk in American politics.

Sage’s campaign video, marked by candid language, positions him as a fighter for the common man against what he describes as a ‘rigged economy’ controlled by the elite. He specifically mentioned Musk, who recently faced backlash for his role in exposing wasteful government spending, as an example of the billionaire class that he believes is out of touch with the needs of ordinary Americans. Sage’s critique extends to Ernst, whom he accuses of being ‘scandal-ridden’ and ‘corporate-funded,’ suggesting that she has abandoned the working class.

The challenge comes at a time when Ernst is leading the Senate’s DOGE efforts, a position that has put her in the spotlight of national politics. Despite the uphill battle, given Iowa’s recent voting history favoring Republican candidates, Sage remains optimistic. He emphasizes his military service and personal struggles, including his father’s arrest over a bounced check meant to buy school clothes, as reasons why he believes he can connect with and represent the state’s working families.

Sage’s campaign is also a call to action against what he perceives as broader societal issues, including the decline of unions, the plight of farmers, and inadequate healthcare coverage, highlighted by his own family’s experiences. As he gears up for the 2026 election, Sage is not only challenging Ernst but also aiming to reshape the Democratic Party to be more inclusive of people from backgrounds like his own.