Who's In the Race

Democrat Lindsay James faces Republican Joe Mitchell and independent Dave Bushaw in the Nov. 3 general election in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. ​

James is a Democratic member of the Iowa House representing District 71, serving her third term, and is an ordained Presbyterian Church pastor. She won the Democratic primary over Clint Twedt-Ball with about 58 percent of the vote.

Mitchell is a former Iowa state representative and real estate developer focused on housing. He won the Republican primary over Charlie McClintock with about 61 percent of the vote.

Bushaw is a farmer, musician, and longtime political organizer, according to the Sun Courier.

What They Stand For

James has called for reversing cuts to Medicaid enacted under President Donald Trump, according to KCRG. She has also opposed:

  • James argued against tax breaks for corporations that outsource jobs and abandon American workers,
  • Tariffs, which she argued against during a candidates' debate, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch; and
  • An issue page on her campaign website titled "Ending DC Corruption."

Mitchell has supported a full ban on stock and prediction market trading for members of Congress, according to his campaign website. He has also supported:

  • Lowering Iowa income tax rates, which he cited as a measure he backed as a state legislator, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch,
  • A 2026 property-tax law he supported in the legislature, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch; and
  • Tariff policies, which he defended during the candidates' debate, according to the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Bushaw has identified improving water quality and establishing national ballot initiatives as priorities, according to the Sun Courier.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race a Toss-up as of Oct. 9, and Sabato's Crystal Ball also rated it a Toss-up as of Oct. 11. On the Kalshi prediction market, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is James, a 57 percent chance of winning the seat as of Oct. 13.

Hinson won this district with about 54 percent in 2022 and about 57 percent in 2024. Republicans won all four of Iowa's U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024. Donald Trump carried Iowa with about 56 percent of the vote in the 2024 presidential election.

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