Iowa State Rep. Lindsay James Announces 2nd District Congressional Run

Iowa State Representative Lindsay James, a Democrat from Dubuque and ordained Presbyterian chaplain, has announced her candidacy for Congress in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District for the 2026 election, challenging incumbent Republican Ashley Hinson. James emphasizes her campaign as a fight for everyday families facing difficult financial choices, criticizing Washington for favoring billionaires and lobbyists over ordinary Iowans, and voices concern over the impact of President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," particularly cuts to Medicaid and changes to energy-related tax credits. She joins a competitive Democratic primary that includes Army veteran Kathy Dolter and former nonprofit leader Clint Twedt-Ball. James highlights priorities such as lowering housing costs, strengthening public schools, and supporting working parents, while Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann criticizes her as promoting a "woke agenda." The district covers northeast Iowa, including cities like Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Waterloo, where Trump won by 10% in 2024, and Hinson defeated her Democratic challenger by 15.5%. The primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with the general election in November 2026.