Iowa’s three Republican-held House seats — Iowa 1st, 2nd (open), and 3rd Congressional distrits — are Democratic targets in 2026, especially Iowa’s 1st and 3rd. With rising concerns around healthcare costs, water quality, and support for rural communities, Democrats see an opportunity to compete in districts that have trended Republican but remain highly responsive to economic and quality-of-life issues.

In IA-01, Democrat Christina Bohannan is competing in a rematch against Republican incumbent Marianette Miller-Meeks, who had won her seat in 2024 by only 799 votes. Bohanan is a law professor and former engineer who served as an Iowa State Representative from 2021 to 2023. Miller-Meeks is under fire in her district for repeatedly voting against continuing healthcare subsidies, her lack of accessibility to voters, and alignment with national Republican policies.

In IA-03, Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott, currently a member of the Iowa State Senate, faces incumbent Republican Zach Nunn, whose backers include Vice President JD Vance, which may not help his chances. Nunn’s action of hitting the phone out of the hand a Democrat asking about rural hospital closures has gone viral.

• IA-02 is an open seat, but the district is considered slightly favorable to Republicans. Democrat Lindsay James slightly trails her Republican opponent in fundraising, but has picked up key endorsements such as Emily’s List, Iowa AFL-CIO, and End Citizens United.
• In IA-01, Bohannan’s campaign focused on affordability, healthcare, and reversing Trump-era Medicaid cuts.
• IA-02 is an open seat following Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson’s departure, making it a top-tier Democratic pickup opportunity in Iowa. Democrat Lindsay James posted a decisive win over two opponents in the primary.
• James (IA-02) is focusing on how the so-called Big Beautiful Bill will affect average Iowans.
• James’ opponent is a MAGA Republican who vows to back Trump completely.
• Trone Garriott (IA-03) is the only Democrat in Iowa over the past few years who has consistently won competitive elections in Republican districts.
• Miller-Meeks earned just an 8% AFL-CIO score in 2025 and supported conservative priorities including border security measures and opposition to federal gun control legislation.
• Nunn has voted with his party roughly 94% of the time, aligning with Republicans on taxes, abortion, and gun policy.
• Nunn has faced criticism for downplaying the January 6 attack.
• Water quality, rising cancer rates, agricultural support, healthcare affordability, education funding, and rural infrastructure are key issues in the state.