Who's running in Iowa's 2nd congressional district
4 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reducing federal spending and ending waste of tax dollars.
Taking power back from 'insiders and lobbyists' and ending 'backroom deals.'
Opposing state benefits for immigrants in the country illegally.
Opposing gender transition treatment for minors.
Including the Libertarian and independent candidates in debates.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Iowa House of Representatives, 2019–2023.
Former HUD regional director and FHFA chief of staff in the Trump administration.
Won the June 2, 2026 Republican primary with 61.4%.
Raised about $378,000 from May 14 to June 30 and had more than $895,500 cash on hand, per The Gazette.
Endorsed by President Trump; named to the NRCC's MAGA Majority program.
Arguments in favor
'President Trump-endorsed Joe Mitchell is a former Trump administration official, small business owner, and home builder who knows how to fight and deliver for Iowa families.'
— NRCC spokeswoman Emily Tuttle
The debates will highlight the difference between 'lifelong Iowan, Joe Mitchell and radical Leftist and former Portland resident, Lindsay James.'
— Drew Johns, Mitchell campaign manager (Iowa Capital Dispatch via KCRG)
Arguments against
Mitchell is a 'lobbyist, career politician, carpetbagger, and revolving door insider' who represents 'the corrupt system.'
— DCCC, Red to Blue announcement
'Politicians like Joe Mitchell are more focused on enriching themselves, cozying up to elites, and living a fancy lifestyle' while Iowans are hurting; Democrats have pointed to his work for a real estate developers association and spending at Mar-a-Lago.
— Lindsay James, Democratic opponent (Iowa Capital Dispatch via KTVO; The Gazette)
Lowering the cost of housing, groceries, utilities and health care.
Taking on 'predatory corporate landlords' and corporations shipping jobs overseas.
Lowering the cost of lifesaving medication.
Taking on 'party leaders, corporate lobbyists, and D.C. social class making life harder.'
Holding public town halls.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Iowa House of Representatives since 2019.
Won the June 2, 2026 Democratic primary with 57.3%.
Missed 177 of 341 Iowa House votes in 2026, per The Gazette's review of legislative records.
Raised about $756,000 from May 14 to June 30, nearly double Mitchell, per The Gazette.
Named to the DCCC's Red to Blue program.
Arguments in favor
'Lindsay James is the fighter that Northeast Iowans will trust to stand up for them' — a minister, chaplain and legislator who has 'taken on predatory corporations and lobbyists to get results for Iowans.'
— DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (The Gazette)
James is a stronger Democratic candidate than the party fielded last cycle, and her pastoral background could open doors with some conservative voters.
— Erin Covey, The Cook Political Report (The Gazette)
Arguments against
'Lindsay James couldn't be bothered. She skipped more than half of her votes in the State House this past year. And when she did show up, she was nothing more than a rubber stamp for the far left agenda.'
— NRCC spokeswoman Emily Tuttle
'Lindsay James is the most radical Leftist to ever run for Congress in the state of Iowa. Her voting record is one of raising taxes, defending state benefits for illegal immigrants, and supporting gender transitions for young children.'
— Joe Mitchell, Republican opponent (Iowa Capital Dispatch via KTVO)
What we couldn’t verify
Her campaign website address could not be confirmed from a loaded page.
Addressing the economic and quality-of-life concerns of working-class and rural Iowans.
A representative 'not beholden to the corrupt two parties and their billionaire owners.'
Forming an independent caucus large enough to deny either party an outright House majority.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Has not held elected office.
Qualified by petition with more than 150% of the required signatures, per the Forward Party.
Endorsed by the Forward Party.
Arguments in favor
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
Arguments against
We found none published about this candidate in the sources reviewed.
What we couldn’t verify
No criticism of Bushaw was found, so his Forward Party endorsement is listed in his record rather than as an argument. He said he was unlikely to appear in the Iowa PBS debate under its qualifying criteria.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
November 3, 2026 is Iowa's general election, decided by plurality; there is no runoff. The map did not change for 2026: Iowa's districts are drawn through the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency process, and no 2026 redraw or pending congressional map litigation was found. This is an open seat: Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson is running for the US Senate. Primaries were held June 2, 2026. The roster matches the Iowa Secretary of State's official general election candidate list (August 2026): Republican Joe Mitchell, who beat state Sen. Charlie McClintock with 61.4%; Democrat Lindsay James, who beat Clint Twedt-Ball and Kathy Dolter with 57.3%; Libertarian Rick Stewart; and No Party candidate Dave Bushaw. The district covers 22 counties in northeast Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Dubuque and Mason City. President Trump carried it by about 10 points in 2024. The NRCC has named Mitchell to its MAGA Majority program and the DCCC has named James to its Red to Blue program. Candidates are listed in the order of the Secretary of State's candidate list; that is not necessarily the printed ballot order, and it implies no ranking.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Iowa ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.