Buttigieg Campaigns for Iowa Democrat, Hints at 2028 Presidential Run

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg made a campaign stop in Des Moines on Monday for Iowa congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott, and when asked about a potential 2028 presidential bid, he didn't rule it out. The visit highlights Democratic enthusiasm in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, a key battleground where Trone Garriott is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn.

Buttigieg, who won the 2020 Democratic Iowa Caucuses, has spent two days rallying Democrats across the state. At a media availability after the event, a reporter asked if he had ruled out running for president in 2028. His response was a simple, direct: “Nope.”

The former presidential candidate said his immediate focus is on the 2026 general election and helping elect candidates like Trone Garriott, a West Des Moines Democrat running in the district that covers the Des Moines metro area and southwest Iowa.

Buttigieg Urges Democrats to Build a Positive Platform

Buttigieg told the crowd that Democrats must do more than just oppose President Donald Trump's policies. While he acknowledged the importance of fighting those policies, he argued the party needs a forward-looking message.

“I have been preaching from coast to coast to anybody who will listen in our party that our politics cannot just be about what we're against,” Buttigieg said. “There's a lot to be upset about in the way the country's being run. We also need to remember that we are standing up for the kind of leadership that can get us past this point.”

He praised Trone Garriott as an example of “human decency” needed in Washington, D.C., adding: “We've got to build something that is not just better than now, but better than before, and that's going to require a lot of Midwestern common sense. That's going to require a lot of human decency.”

Trone Garriott’s Strategy: Reaching Across Party Lines

Trone Garriott knows how to win in Republican-leaning territory. In 2022, she flipped a state Senate seat held by Jake Chapman, the former Iowa Senate president. She credited her success to knocking on the doors of registered Republicans and independents.

“Iowans are independent-minded voters across party lines, and they like to vote for the person, not the party,” Trone Garriott said. “If you can make that positive connection, it makes a world of difference.”

Buttigieg echoed that sentiment, saying the goal of these conversations isn't to “turn them into Democrats,” but to talk about “the things we really care about.” He argued that Americans across party lines agree on many issues, and more door-knocking could reduce polarization.

“It doesn't have to be this way,” Buttigieg said. “The flag of the United States is red, white, and blue, not red or blue.”

Can Democrats Flip Iowa’s 3rd District?

Both Buttigieg and Trone Garriott expressed optimism about Democrats' chances in the 3rd Congressional District. Trone Garriott criticized Nunn for never holding an “open” town hall and for his votes on reduced Medicaid funding, the U.S. war in Iran, and tariffs. She argued these decisions will cost him in November.

“It's a pretty strong contrast,” Trone Garriott said. “We're going to knock on doors, we're going to be on the phones, we're going to be in the communities and we're going to be showing up for the people of Iowa because they deserve nothing less.”

Buttigieg said national commentators are underestimating the district's potential to flip. “Sarah has already won repeatedly in districts that have been controlled by Republicans, and she's done that because she's right on the issues and she's the right kind of person,” he said. “I'm excited to be part of this one, and many races in Iowa that I think are really going to turn some heads come November.”

What This Means for Iowa Voters

For Iowa voters, this race is a test of whether a Democrat can win in a district that has leaned Republican in recent years. Trone Garriott’s emphasis on ticket-splitting and personal connections reflects a strategy that has worked for her before. Meanwhile, Nunn’s record on key issues like Medicaid and tariffs could be a liability in a state where agriculture and healthcare are top concerns.

Buttigieg’s visit also signals that national Democrats see Iowa as a potential pickup opportunity. Whether that translates into votes in November remains to be seen, but both candidates are betting that grassroots engagement will make the difference.

FAQ: Key Questions About the Race

Who is Sarah Trone Garriott?

Sarah Trone Garriott is a Democratic state senator from West Des Moines. She flipped a Republican-held seat in 2022 and is now running for the U.S. House in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

Who is she running against?

She is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who currently represents the district.

Why is Pete Buttigieg campaigning for her?

Buttigieg sees the 3rd District as a competitive race that could flip to the Democratic Party. He has a history in Iowa from his 2020 presidential campaign and is helping rally grassroots support.

What are the key issues in this race?

Trone Garriott is focusing on Nunn's votes on Medicaid funding, the war in Iran, and tariffs. She also highlights his lack of open town halls as a failure of accountability.