Chuck Grassley was born in 1933 on a farm in Butler County, Iowa. He entered politics in the Iowa House of Representatives in 1958, moved to the U.S. House in 1975, and won his U.S. Senate seat in 1980. He’s now one of the longest-serving senators in American history and basically an institution unto himself.
Grassley’s identity is part watchdog, part farm belt traditionalist. He’s made a career out of grilling federal agencies over waste, fraud, and abuse; championing whistleblower protections; and pushing for transparency in how tax dollars get spent.
He’s also relentlessly tied to core Iowa interests: ethanol, corn, ag exports, and rural economic development. His famous “99-county tour,” where he visits every county in Iowa every year, is his brand: direct access, no nonsense, answer the question.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Longest-serving senator in Iowa history
- Major force behind federal whistleblower protections and oversight investigations
- Aggressive advocate for ethanol, agriculture, and rural development
- Influential in shaping tax, trade, and judiciary policy as Finance/Judiciary chair
Controversies
- Blasted by Democrats in 2016 for refusing to hold hearings on a Supreme Court nominee
- Persistent questions over age, fitness, and how long he should keep serving
- Criticized for deep alignment with agribusiness and industry interests in Iowa
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Republican Senatorial Cmte | $51,200 | $0 | $51,200 |
| Cottingham & Butler | $29,775 | $29,775 | $0 |
| DCI Group | $25,150 | $25,150 | $0 |
| DISH Network | $24,900 | $19,900 | $5,000 |
| American Council of Life Insurers | $23,699 | $13,699 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2004 Margin R +34.6%
2010 Margin R +31.1%
2016 Margin R +24.4%
2022 Margin R +12.2%