Iowa Voters Clash Over Nunn, Trone Garriott in Heated Congressional Race
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Iowans are sharply divided over the candidates vying for the state's congressional seats. Letters to the editor reveal deep disagreements over the records and character of Republican incumbent Zach Nunn and Democratic challenger Sarah Trone Garriott, with voters on both sides making passionate cases for their preferred candidate.
Trone Garriott supporters praise her local presence
Peter Reiter of Ottumwa wrote that he met state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott after the Mercy Clinic closed in Ottumwa, and she came to listen and be present. He contrasted this with U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, who Reiter says has never met with constituents in his office there.
“Trone Garriott has already held an open town hall in Ottumwa, something Nunn has never done as our congressman,” Reiter wrote. “The letters I have written to Nunn come back with only self-promotion and no serious answers to my concerns.”
Reiter said he looks forward to voting for Trone Garriott as the next member of Congress from Iowa.
Nunn backers say Trone Garriott insults Iowans
Lori Bryant of West Des Moines argued that Trone Garriott has insulted Christianity and called Iowans racist for supporting school choice and protecting girls' sports. Bryant said she cannot support a candidate who “lacks respect” for Iowa families.
“Respect is at the forefront of my personal beliefs, and I cannot see myself voting for someone who lacks that quality while also pushing highly controversial beliefs onto others,” Bryant wrote. She said Nunn has demonstrated respect and dedication as a father, military leader, and bipartisan voice in Congress.
Faith and service take center stage
Eric Rucker of Des Moines defended Trone Garriott's faith, noting she is a Lutheran minister who still preaches most weekends and worked as a hospital chaplain. He said she helped lead the Des Moines Area Religious Council's food pantry network for nine years.
“As a follower of Jesus, I assess people's integrity based on the criteria Jesus established: Does this person love God and neighbor with all their strength? Sarah does in fact do this,” Rucker wrote. He criticized Nunn's 2025 vote to cut feeding assistance programs for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Sex offender registry vote draws fire
Benjamin Miller of Pleasantville raised concerns about former state Rep. Christina Bohannan's 2021 vote on Iowa's sex offender registry. Miller, a father of three daughters, said he cannot understand why Bohannan voted against House File 489, which made it easier for convicted sex offenders to be removed from the registry.
“The registry exists for a simple reason: to help families stay informed and keep communities safe,” Miller wrote. “As a parent, I want to know if a convicted sex offender lives nearby before I take my kids to the park.”
Critics question Nunn, Hinson accomplishments
Gerald Fees of Bondurant said Republican ads for Ashley Hinson and Zach Nunn use phrases like “working on” and “fighting for” but never mention actual accomplishments. He said both have voted for every bad bill put forward by Congress and have taken away benefits and rights from everyday Iowans.
“If they had gotten anything done, in any way, it would be blaring across the airways every 10 minutes,” Fees wrote.
State auditor candidate draws support
Gary L. Schmidt of Norwalk praised Taylor Wettach, a Democrat running for state auditor. Schmidt called Wettach a seventh-generation Iowan and attorney with the experience to be an independent watchdog for Iowans regardless of who is in power.
Wettach will appear at the Register's Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 22 at noon.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key issues in the Nunn-Trone Garriott race?
Voters are divided over local presence, faith, and policy records. Trone Garriott supporters highlight her town halls and service work, while Nunn backers criticize her views on school choice and transgender athletes.
Why is Christina Bohannan's sex offender registry vote controversial?
Bohannan voted against House File 489 in 2021, which made it easier for convicted sex offenders to be removed from the registry. Critics say this undermines public safety and parental rights.
Who is Taylor Wettach?
Taylor Wettach is a Democrat running for state auditor. He is a seventh-generation Iowan and attorney who promises to be an independent watchdog for taxpayers.