Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the longest-serving Senate Republican, announced on Friday that he's running for re-election in 2022.
Why it matters: The GOP is looking to regain control of both chambers of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. Several Republicans had urged the 88-year-old senator to run to avoid another retirement after five incumbent senators said they wouldn't seek re-election.
What they're saying: "It’s 4 a.m. in Iowa so I’m running. I do that 6 days a week. Before I start the day I want you to know what Barbara and I have decided," Grassley said on Twitter.
- "I’m running for re-election — a lot more to do, for Iowa. We ask and will work for your support. Will you join us?"
State of play: Grassley will run against former Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-Iowa), who is the most popular Democrat to announce a challenge for the seat, CNN notes.
- A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa poll released earlier this week showed Grassley had an 18-point lead in a hypothetical matchup against Finkenauer.