Nikhil Wagle

Nikhil Wagle is the Democratic candidate for Iowa State Senate District 47 in the November 3, 2026 general election, where he faces incumbent Republican Scott Webster.[1][2] Wagle is an ophthalmologist and a member of the Pleasant Valley Community School District board.[1][3]

Wagle earned a high school diploma from Homestead High School and an M.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1994, along with another degree from Duke University in 1999.[1] In a Ballotpedia survey, he said he was born and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to parents who were first-generation immigrants from India, and that he has practiced as a physician for 27 years and is also a small business owner.[3] He said he has served on his local public school board for 13 years, including five as president, and on the Iowa Board of Medicine for three years.[3]

Wagle advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.[1] In the survey he said he is running to be a voice for patients and healthcare workers, strengthen public schools, grow the economy and address water contamination.[3] His stated healthcare goals include making care more affordable and accessible, addressing maternal care shortages, stopping rural hospital closures and ending the privatization of Medicaid.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.