Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate, held a campaign event at Dog-Eared Books in Ames featuring a discussion with his wife, author Chloe Angyal, about storytelling and public service.
Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, held a campaign event at Dog-Eared Books in Ames, according to a Daily Wire report published March 6, 2026.
The Daily Wire said the event featured Wahls and his wife, author Chloe Angyal, discussing “the art of storytelling, the demands of public service, and the intersection of writing and advocacy,” and how their work as authors has shaped their approach to politics and family.
Wahls’ campaign website describes him as a “sixth-generation Iowan,” “a new dad,” and an Iowa state senator, and lays out a policy agenda that includes cutting costs, combating corruption, strengthening border enforcement resources, “secure elections,” restoring abortion access, paid family and medical leave, and a path to legal status for some long-term undocumented immigrants who are working and do not have criminal records.
The Daily Wire also highlighted prior programming and advocacy associated with Dog-Eared Books. It reported that the store promoted a drag performer named Lonika LaBelle Knight in a September 2021 Instagram post and later advertised a June 2023 “drag storytime” for children that it said would include movement activities alongside a picture-book reading.
The report further said Dog-Eared Books has hosted or promoted political and fundraising efforts, including a “Tattoos for Palestine” fundraiser; a “Books for Fighting Fascism” list that includes a book by Sen. Bernie Sanders; and a “You Can’t Read That At School” selection that includes the graphic novel “Let’s Talk About It.” The Daily Wire also reported that the store criticized Iowa Republicans over legislation restricting gender-affirming medical care for minors and said it raised more than $3,000 for the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, which provides grants to Iowans seeking gender-affirming care.
Separately, LGBTQ advocacy group One Iowa has published guidance for families and patients following Iowa’s restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for minors taking effect in September 2023, including suggestions for coordinating care with out-of-state providers and information about non-medical forms of support such as binders and voice therapy.
The Daily Wire report also cited Wahls’ public opposition to restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, including a statement it attributed to him that there was “blood on the hands” of Republicans supporting the bill.
Some of the Daily Wire’s broader characterizations—such as labeling Wahls a political “moderate” or describing Dog-Eared Books as a “leftist” venue—reflect the publication’s framing rather than independently verifiable facts.
