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Erin Murphy

@erindmurphy.bsky.social
1.3K followers 44 following 239 posts

Proud husband and father. Des Moines Bureau Chief for The Gazette. Iowa Capitol Press Association President. Wisconsin sports fan. Star Wars geek. erin.murphy@thegazette.com www.thegazette.com/users/profile/er…

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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
And we are expecting Gov. Kim Reynolds to sign it into law yet tonight. www.thegazette.com/news/state/i...
thegazette.com
Iowa lawmakers approve $1.4 billion in tax breaks for steel plant
The tax breaks, which would be the most for a project in state history, are being considered Friday during a special session of the Iowa Legislature.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
As the proposal progresses through the legislative process today, we have updated our story with quotes from Mesabi Metallics CEO Joe Broking and IEDA Dir. Debi Durham from today's legislative hearing. www.thegazette.com/news/state/i...
thegazette.com
Iowa lawmakers consider $1.4 billion in tax breaks for steel plant
The tax breaks, which would be the most for a project in state history, are being considered Friday during a special session of the Iowa Legislature.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
State tax breaks for a planned, $15 billion steel plant in Lee County in SE Iowa are on the legislative agenda today at the Iowa Capitol. What they're discussing today: www.thegazette.com/news/state/i... What the candidates for Iowa governor think about it: www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Iowa lawmakers consider $1.4 billion tax breaks for planned steel plant
DES MOINES — Nearly $1.4 billion in state tax breaks would be awarded to a Minnesota-based, India-owned company that plans to build a $15 billion steel plant in Lee County
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand draws 1,800-plus to Polk County event
The large crowd packed a Des Moines-area concert venue for Sand’s 100th public town hall in 2026.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Q: What do Iowa's candidates for governor, Zach Lahn and Rob Sand, think about state tax incentives for the planned new steel plant in SE Iowa? A (because I asked 'em yesterday): www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand, Zach Lahn talk steel plant, incentives
Zach Lahn and Rob Sand, the Republican and Democratic candidates for Iowa governor, both advise ‘stair-step’ incentives for new steel plant in Iowa.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
(1,800+ according to the campaign, FWIW)
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Couple one, two people here tonight for this Rob Sand campaign event at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
www.thegazette.com/news/state/i...
thegazette.com
Iowa Gov. Reynolds calls special session for steel plant tax incentives
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called for a special legislative session to amend the state’s economic development program for large business ventures.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🤷‍♂️
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has called a special session to amend the state's economic development program for large business ventures. The move comes a day after the announcement that a company plans to build the largest-ever steel plant in the U.S. in SE Iowa.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Keyboard smoking to get the update posted, but flagging this nugget in the meantime:
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A $15 billion steel plant, the largest in U.S. history, is coming to Iowa. President Trump will announce this afternoon from the Oval Office. All according to the White House. www.thegazette.com/news/state/l...
thegazette.com
Largest-ever U.S. steel plant coming to Iowa, White House says
Mesabi Metallics plans a $15 billion investment that will create 1,750 new jobs, the White House says
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Reposted by Erin Murphy
The Gazette @thegazette.com · 25/09/2026
Democratic Iowa Gubernatorial Nominee @robsandia.bsky.social talks about the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa during an interview with @erindmurphy.bsky.social for the On Iowa Politics Podcast. Full episode: www.thegazette.com/multimedia/p...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Topics hit w/ @robsandia.bsky.social on On Iowa Politics: * nonpartisan claims * how he'd work w/ #ialegis GOP * how he'd make appointments * UI Center for Intellectual Freedom * would he run for POTUS * more Read: www.thegazette.com/news/electio... Watch/listen: www.thegazette.com/multimedia/p...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand cites COVID audit as proof of his nonpartisan claims
Rob Sand, the state auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, addressed that question and others on The Gazette’s “On Iowa Politics” podcast.
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Reposted by Erin Murphy
The Gazette @thegazette.com · 25/09/2026
@robsandia.bsky.social talks about water quality during an interview with The Gazette's @erindmurphy.bsky.social for the On Iowa Politics Podcast. Listen to the full episode: www.thegazette.com/multimedia/p...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Iowa Republicans mulling special session to pass tax breaks for possible new steel plant in SE Iowa www.thegazette.com/news/state/i...
thegazette.com
A special session to pass steel plant tax breaks? Maybe
Iowa Republican statehouse leaders are considering a special legislative session to create tax incentives for a potential new steel plant in southeast Iowa.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.thegazette.com/news/state/i...
thegazette.com
Iowa judge dismisses Trump’s lawsuit against Des Moines Register and pollster
A judge in Iowa has dismissed President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against The Des Moines Register and its former pollster. Trump sued in December 2024, accusing pollster J. Ann Selzer and
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On the latest On Iowa Politics podcast, just like so many other people do on this solemn anniversary, we remember where we were when ... www.thegazette.com/multimedia/p...
thegazette.com
On Iowa Politics Podcast: Potential running mate issues in gubernatorial race
This week, we talk about upcoming debates and potential running mate issues in Iowa’s gubernatorial election, and we’ll recall 9/11.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
On the latest On Iowa Politics podcast: * more towns discuss data centers * Meta settlement * Save Our Bacon * Iowa GOP ticket + Stick around for my embarrassing Iowa State Fair confession; and please remember the On Iowa Politics podcast is a safe space. www.thegazette.com/multimedia/p...
thegazette.com
On Iowa Politics Podcast: Iowa and the $126M Meta Settlement
This week, we discuss Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the $17.1 billion-dollar multistage settlement with Meta over child safety. Iowa is guaranteed to receive $126 million in the settlement,
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
I spent a day last week covering three Zach Lahn campaign town halls in Eastern Iowa. Here's what I saw and heard: www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Swaying minds: Lahn makes his case in Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign
Zach Lahn, the Republican candidate for Iowa governor, made his pitch and converted some into supporters during a busy week on the campaign trail.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
And if you liked that one, stick around for a few days ... There's a non-zero chance you'll see another story just like it next week on Zach Lahn's campaign.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
I spent a day this week covering three Rob Sand campaign town halls in Central Iowa. Here's what I saw and heard: www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
‘Looking for change:’ Iowa voters, including Republicans, responding to Sand
During 3 events on one day this week, Democratic Iowa candidate for governor Rob Sand made impressions on hundreds, including some Republicans.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Iowa Democratic caucuses again left out of early-voting window by national party leaders. #FITN no more for Iowa Democrats, even with 2 new states added to the party's early window. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Iowa Democratic caucuses left out of early vote again
Iowa Democrats’ bid to have their first-in-the-nation presidential precinct caucuses restored proved unsuccessful Friday.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Emails reveal a behind-the-scenes power struggle has erupted over the University of Iowa's new Center for Intellectual Freedom. From the venerable @vanessamiller12.bsky.social: www.thegazette.com/news/emails-...
thegazette.com
Emails show Center for Intellectual Freedom power struggle
Since lawmakers last year created a new Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, a behind-the-scenes power struggle has erupted, hindering the center’s progress and deepening politic...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
If anyone out there knows (or knew, please forgive me if that's the case) a Jonathan Pederson of Mason City, now would be a good time to reach out to him or his family. www.thegazette.com/news/state/b...
thegazette.com
Baseball apparently signed by Pete Rose among unclaimed Iowa treasures
A baseball apparently autographed by one of the greatest teams in professional sports history is among items unclaimed by Iowa owners.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Gov. Kim Reynolds on her administration keeping former Iowa HHS Director/Senate-rejected Larry Johnson in leadership: "very important that we have some consistency." www.thegazette.com/news/state/g...
thegazette.com
Governor backs keeping Larry Johnson in key agency
Reynolds said her administration kept Larry Johnson as an Iowa HHS leader — despite Senate Democrats’ rejection of his appointment — to ensure consistency in agency operations.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
At his first public campaign event since winning the June 2 primary election, Iowa Republican candidate for governor Zach Lahn addressed criticism of his travels and fired back at Democratic candidate Rob Sand. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Zach Lahn pushes back at criticism of residence, travel
In his first public campaign event since the June 2 primary election, Republican Zach Lahn in Tama, Iowa, addressed criticism levied at his campaign over his residence and travels.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
If you want to know more about these gentlemen than just their headwear stylings, like their heads, we have you covered: www.thegazette.com/news/electio... www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Outstanding reference. A+ gif deployment.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The Republican and Democratic candidates for Iowa Lieutenant Governor, as submitted by their respective campaigns.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Zach Lahn has named his running mate. The tickets for Iowa's open-seat gubernatorial election are complete. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Iowa governor candidate Lahn picks state lawmaker Wulf as running mate
Derek Wulf, a state lawmaker and farmer from Hudson, is Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn’s pick for a running mate and lieutenant governor nominee.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Ol' Bill once pondered, "What's in a name?" www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Name confusion leads to challenge of Iowa Libertarian candidate
Iowa Congressional candidate Marco Battaglia’s use of two different names on his paperwork is the subject of a challenge to his spot on the ballot.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
The Sand campaign also posted its first ad of the general election over the weekend: www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Sand’s first Iowa general election ad criticizes Lahn’s dual residency
The first ad of the general election in Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign, from Democrat Rob Sand, criticizes Republican candidate Zach Lahn for keeping his family’s home in Kansas while campaigning in Io...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Last night, Sand held his first campaign event since last week's primary election: www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Gubernatorial candidate Sand to Lahn: Iowa jobs are for Iowans
Iowa Democratic candidate Rob Sand held his first campaign event of the general election Sunday, criticizing Republican Zach Lahn’s dual residency
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
This morning, Democratic candidate Rob Sand announced his running mate and lieutenant governor nominee (via @tjbarton83.bsky.social): www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand names running mate in Iowa governor’s race
Democrat Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor and farmer Dave Muhlbauer as his 2026 running mate for lieutenant governor in Iowa's governor race.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
There's a lot coming, so if you click on only one of the following links, make it this one. It sets the scene for everything else to follow. Zach Lahn vs. Rob Sand. What do we know? What will the campaign to be Iowa's next governor look and sound like? www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand vs. Zach Lahn — Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign matchup is set
In Iowa’s 2026 election for governor, neither Democrat Rob Sand nor Republican Zach Lahn is a cookie-cutter candidate from their respective parties.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
ICYMI thread! It's been a busy news cycle on Iowa's gubernatorial campaign trail over the past few days, so let's get y'all caught up:
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
And they're off! www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Sand’s first Iowa general election ad criticizes Lahn’s dual residency
The first ad of the general election in Iowa’s gubernatorial campaign, from Democrat Rob Sand, criticizes Republican candidate Zach Lahn for keeping his family’s home in Kansas while campaigning in Io...
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
A lot going on these past 24 hours, so didn't get a chance to post this one: Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand is proposing a requirement for state elected officials to hold public town halls. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Rob Sand: Require Iowa elected officials to hold town halls
Iowa Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand says public town halls should be a requirement for state elected officials to get on the ballot.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Good morning, Iowa. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Lahn tops Feenstra for GOP nomination
In an upset that would have seemed unlikely a year ago, Zach Lahn will be the GOP candidate for Iowa governor after a narrow primary election victory.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
It's Zach Lahn. www.thegazette.com/news/electio...
thegazette.com
Lahn tops Feenstra for GOP nomination
DES MOINES — In a stunning upset that would have seemed highly unlikely a year ago, Zach Lahn will be the Republican candidate for Iowa governor after a narrow victory
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Picking this totally random moment to point out that last year Iowa statehouse Republicans changed the threshold for recounts in statewide elections to a 0.15% margin.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Some of those outlets that are farther ahead, like AP, have this thing tightening up big-time. I may need to start thinking about which East Village spot opens for breakfast first.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
We have passed the 2/3 mark for statewide results from the Iowa Secretary of State's Office, and Zach Lahn leads Randy Feenstra by more than 4,000 votes now, 38.1% to 35.2%.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
There are sites and outlets out there publishing results faster/farther ahead, but the Iowa Secretary of State results are almost halfway, and Lahn leads Feenstra by just more than 3,000 votes, and both are above 35%.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
With 94% of the precincts reporting in Central Iowa's Polk County, the state's most populous, Zach Lahn leads Randy Feenstra in the county by nearly 2,400 votes, or 38.9% to 29.6%. Lots of other counties that will vote much differently. But worth noting as we track early numbers.
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
The number on every Iowa Republican's mind tonight:
static.klipy.com
35 Percent 35percent
ALT: 35 Percent 35percent
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Iowa Republican primaries I'm watching tonight: * Governor (I'm writing that one, so I better) * Senate District 23: incumbent-but-changing-districts Bousselot vs. challenger w/solid bio Enos * State auditor: Lt. Gov. Cournoyer vs. hard-campaigning, Trump-aligning challenger Maas
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Polls are closed. See y'all on the other side.
static.klipy.com
Election 2020: Please Wait, Votes Being Counted
ALT: Election 2020: Please Wait, Votes Being Counted
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Erin Murphy @erindmurphy.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
In 30 minutes, the polls will be closed in Iowa and it officially will be F5 season.
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