Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, has been campaigning in Iowa, where she advocates for the idea of Midwest pragmatism that she believes can help her party and the country navigate through the turbulent politics of President Donald Trump. Speaking at a Polk County Democratic Party dinner, Slotkin urged her audience to carefully vet potential White House hopefuls for consideration. She also highlighted Iowa's political influence as a potential early contest in the 2028 presidential race. Slotkin has been building a national presence since narrowly winning her Senate seat in 2024 and is viewed as a possible presidential candidate. She has also campaigned alongside state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, a Republican congressional seat, and said she feels a kinship with the rest of the Midwest.