Third rematch puts Iowa House race in midterm spotlight
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Christina Bohannan, a Democratic university professor from Iowa City, opened her third campaign for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District here on Sunday, addressing roughly two dozen voters at a roadside bar and grill in this Louisa County community. The seat is held by Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who defeated Bohannan in 2022 and 2024.
Columbus Junction sits in a rural county where Trump won overwhelmingly two years ago. At Sunday’s gathering, Bohannan described the work of building familiarity with voters across the sprawling district.
“It’s a big district. It takes a lot of time to get around, get people to know you and trust you,” Bohannan told the group.
The third run follows Bohannan’s two prior losses to Miller-Meeks. Bohannan is banking on healthcare, economic concerns, and Trump’s standing with voters in her third bid for the seat.
Miller-Meeks has labeled Bohannan a “radical progressive” ahead of the third consecutive matchup between the two candidates. She has held the seat since her 2022 win over Bohannan.
A Bohannan victory in November would mark the first ripple in what Democratic figures have described as a potential national wave. The Iowa race is among contests that could help Democrats retake the U.S. House.