Iowa Democrats oust two GOP incumbents, take 3 of 4 U.S. House seats

Democrats flipped three of Iowa’s four U.S. House seats in the Nov. 3 election, turning an all-Republican House delegation into a 3-1 Democratic majority when the new Congress convenes in January.

In the 1st District, Democrat Christina Bohannan defeated Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks, with the Associated Press calling the race at 11:08 p.m. CST. With 99% of the estimated votes counted, Bohannan had 52.8% to Miller-Meeks’ 43.6%. The victory marked a turnaround after Bohannan lost to Miller-Meeks by just 799 votes in 2024. Heartland Signal previously examined their competing records on health care, clean water, affordability and corporate accountability.

In the 2nd District, Democrat Lindsay James defeated Republican Joe Mitchell in the open-seat race, winning 49.5% to 45.6% with 99% of the estimated votes counted. AP called the race at 11:19 p.m. CST. The seat became open when Ashley Hinson opted to run for the Senate, where she lost to Democrat Josh Turek. James’ win flipped a district Hinson carried by 15.5 points in 2024.

Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott also unseated Republican incumbent Zach Nunn in the 3rd District, winning 53.7% to 46.3% with 99% of the estimated votes counted. AP called the race at 11:03 p.m. CST. Heartland Signal’s candidate coverage examined their contrasting positions on Medicaid, tariffs and data center costs, while its final-day reporting scrutinized Nunn’s record on China.

Republican Chris McGowan won the 4th District, defeating Democrat Dave Dawson 59.1% to 40.9% with 99% of the estimated votes counted. AP called that race at 10:33 p.m. CST, keeping the seat in Republican hands.