DCCC Boosts Iowa Democrat Who Opposed Citizenship Checks, SNAP Ban for Illegal Aliens

By John Damon | Just The News Iowa

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has elevated state Senator Sarah Trone Garriott to its Red to Blue program, but her Iowa Senate record shows she opposed citizenship verification for elections and blocked efforts to keep illegal aliens from receiving food stamps.

The DCCC announced Trone Garriott, a Lutheran minister challenging Republican Rep. Zach Nunn in Iowa's Third Congressional District, as one of its top-tier candidates. DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene praised her as someone who will 'stand up to protect health care, get costs down, and always do what's right for Iowa.'

But the Republican National Committee and Nunn's campaign say her record reveals a different story.

Trone Garriott Opposed SNAP Ban for Illegal Aliens

While Nunn helped pass a provision in the Working Families Tax Cuts to ensure SNAP benefits do not go to illegal aliens, Trone Garriott opposed a similar measure in the Iowa Senate. She argued it went against 'Iowa's tradition of helping those in need.'

Yet 68 percent of voters, including majorities of Democrats and independents, agree that illegal immigrants should not be eligible for food stamps, according to polling.

Voted Against Citizenship Verification for Elections

Trone Garriott voted against an Iowa bill requiring citizenship verification in elections. Nunn, by contrast, voted to pass the Save America Act in the House, which mandates citizenship checks.

Voters support citizenship verification by a 30-point margin overall, with independents backing it by 20 points.

Missed Vote on $4.2 Billion Property Tax Cut

Trone Garriott also missed a vote on legislation that would have delivered a $4.2 billion property tax cut for Iowans earlier this year. The measure was a key priority for Republican lawmakers and taxpayers.

Criticized ICE, Called for Amnesty

Trone Garriott has criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement, claiming the agency's actions make Americans 'less safe.' She supports immigration legislation that would deport criminals while creating a path to earned citizenship for immigrants who work and pay taxes.

Zach Kraft of the RNC said, 'Sarah Trone Garriott is illegals first, Iowans last. She has proven that every time she gets the chance, she will raise taxes on hardworking Americans and put those dollars in the pockets of criminal illegal aliens.'

Record on Education and Gender Policies

Trone Garriott cosponsored legislation that would begin sex education in kindergarten and later declined to answer questions about the proposal. She voted against prohibiting instruction on gender identity for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

She also opposed measures that would:

• Prohibit gender transition procedures for minors
• Prevent biological males from competing in girls' sports
• Require students to use bathrooms matching their biological sex
• Notify parents when a child adopts a different name or pronouns
• Restrict LGBTQ topics in elementary school classrooms

Controversial Statements on Faith, Race, and Gender

In a 2023 speech at a Methodist church, Trone Garriott said it was 'uncomfortable' to see faith and political power collide. She tied Christian nationalism to 'white patriarchy' and said evangelist Billy Graham modeled an image of 'white, Christian masculinity.'

She has complained that Iowa's leaders are 'mostly white, mostly Christian, and mostly older men,' referred to private Christian schools as 'segregation academies' that create 'white enclaves,' and defended a Wiccan-led prayer at the Iowa Statehouse by arguing that 'Jesus engaged with pagans.'

She also defended reading a Muslim prayer in the Iowa Senate, saying Christian voices had been 'overwhelmingly represented.' In a 2021 sermon for Downtown Disciples, a progressive faith community that describes itself as LGBTQIA+ affirming and supportive of Black Lives Matter, she tied her theology to social justice causes.

What This Means for Iowa Voters

With the DCCC pouring resources into the race, Trone Garriott's record will face intense scrutiny from voters in the Third District. Nunn's campaign is already highlighting her opposition to popular measures like citizenship verification and the SNAP ban for illegal aliens.

Iowa voters will decide in November whether Trone Garriott's progressive record aligns with their values or if Nunn's conservative approach better serves the district.