LauraRBelin3d ago
Democratic candidate Sarah Trone Garriott is doing events in each of #IA03's 21 counties in 21 days to highlight GOP incumbent Zach Nunn's failure to hold any public town halls as a member of Congress.
(from "KHOI's Capitol Week")
LauraRBelinMay 11
As many states with GOP trifectas rush to approve new gerrymandered maps, I wrote about the guardrails that prevent Iowa Republicans from doing the same to shore up competitive seats in #IA01, #IA02, and #IA03.
https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/05/11/why-iowa-wont-join-the-gerrymandering-stampede/
Why Iowa won't join the gerrymandering stampede

Why hasn't Iowa's Republican trifecta pushed for mid-decade gerrymandering? Laura Belin explains the legal guardrails.

Bleeding Heartland
LauraRBelinApr 22

It's late but I just posted my written recap of Monday night's "KHOI's Capitol Week."
We spent most of the 30 minutes on 2026 campaign news, and covered one story from the state legislature (the return of a medication abortion bill).
#IAGov #IASen #IA01 #IA02 #IA03 #IA04

https://laurabelin.substack.com/p/governors-race-news-1q-fundraising

Governor's race news, 1Q fundraising, abortion bill returns

April 20 edition of "KHOI's Capitol Week"

Iowa politics with Laura Belin
LauraRBelinApr 19
Who's up early?
After Alex Isenstadt reported that JD Vance plans to come to Iowa to campaign with Zach Nunn, I decided it was time for a deep dive on #IA03.
I'm bullish on this race. This post explains why & also covers some factors that favor Nunn.
https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/04/19/zach-nunn-is-in-trouble-and-jd-vance-cant-help-him/
Zach Nunn is in trouble—and JD Vance can't help him

Laura Belin explains why she's bullish on Sarah Trone Garriott's chances to unseat Zach Nunn, the Republican incumbent in IA-03.

Bleeding Heartland
LauraRBelinApr 15

If I were Zach Nunn, I wouldn't want JD Vance anywhere near central Iowa.
I'm about ready to call #IA03 tilt Dem. Hard to see how Nunn salvages this race.

https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/vance-iowa-campaign-midterms-2028?utm_campaign=editorial&utm_source=x&utm_medium=owned_social

Scoop: Vance heading to Iowa for midterm events

It's his first visit to an early primary state ahead of a widely expected bid for president in 2028.

Axios
LauraRBelinApr 15
My recap of the latest "KHOI's Capitol Week" is up, with the audio file and a detailed written summary, for those who would rather read.
Spencer Dirks and I covered a ton of 2026 campaign stories, plus some news from Congress and the Iowa Senate's property tax reform bill. #IAGov #IASen #IA01 #IA02 #IA03 #IA04
https://laurabelin.substack.com/p/new-poll-candidates-spar-in-governor
New poll, candidates spar in governor & Senate race

April 13 edition of "KHOI's Capitol Week"

Iowa politics with Laura Belin
Kat O’BrienApr 7
Let’s go, Iowa! Flip all the seats!!! I know #IA04 won’t flip, but everything else is in play: Senate seat, Governor, #IA03, #IA02 and especially #IA01 - the district I grew up in. In Miller-Meeks’s 3 wins, 2 have been by single-digit votes and 0.2%. It’s in play. Come on, Iowans, I believe in you.

RE: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:kydhfsfa2w5hghnz4fluoxqz/post/3miwmhgcjfk2f
LauraRBelinApr 2
My quarterly reminder: 'Tis the season for candidates to tout their fundraising.
I don't report these stories until the FEC filings are publicly available, so I can see where the money came from. I will never just write up a campaign's press release. #IASen #IA01 #IA02 #IA03
LauraRBelinApr 2

Just posted a piece by Xavier Carrigan about his #IA03 campaign and challenges of qualifying for the ballot.
He confirms he will continue to run in the Democratic primary as a write-in candidate.

https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2026/04/01/my-campaign-took-a-different-path/

My campaign took a different path

Xavier Carrigan: I wasn’t trying to replicate the traditional model. I was building on a model I’ve already proven can work.

Bleeding Heartland
American Bridge 21st CenturyApr 1
Iowans can't afford gas. Zach Nunn and Mariannette Miller-Meeks are enabling the war in Iran, and their constituents are the ones left paying the price. #IA01 #IA03