Iowa's 1st Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the closest races in the country, with Cook Political Report rating the contest a toss up. The race is critical for Republicans, who are trying to hold their razor-thin majority in the House. Incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is facing former Democratic state Rep. Christina Bohannan, who is running for Congress for the third time against the incumbent.
Miller-Meeks told Fox News Digital that her campaign focuses on protecting Republican-led policies that she argues have lowered energy and housing costs, while warning that Democrats would reverse these measures if they gain control. The congresswoman described the election as a choice between common sense and what she termed crazy communism, accusing Bohannan of aligning with the Democratic Socialists of America.
Miller-Meeks claimed Bohannan voted against every tax cut during her time in the Iowa House and supported keeping boys in girls sports. In response, Bohannan stated that Miller-Meeks sides with drug companies, data centers, and billionaires, arguing that putting Iowa first is the true definition of common sense.
Miller-Meeks highlighted her record of bringing in a steel mill to create manufacturing jobs and supporting farmers through ethanol and biodiesel policies. She stated that Republican bills on energy production helped lower gasoline and diesel prices at the start of the year. The incumbent also pointed to her work on fraud prevention following the Feeding Our Future scandal. She mentioned the Medicaid Whistleblower Protection Act, which would establish federal protections for workers reporting fraud, and the WALZ Act, which requires HHS investigators to look into programs with significant payment increases.
Miller-Meeks said voters are frustrated with the economy and the Iran War, but she argued that putting Democrats back in power would not provide relief. She maintained that Democrats have said they would get rid of policies that make U.S. steel production more competitive.
The contest highlights the political challenges Republicans face in this midterm cycle, driven by President Donald Trump's approval ratings and economic concerns. Miller-Meeks said her campaign will continue meeting with constituents to show the contrast between the two candidates. Bohannan, who narrowly lost by less than a percentage point in 2024, defended her positions in a statement to Fox News Digital. The National Republican Congressional Committee has labeled Bohannan a DEI queen. Miller-Meeks spoke to reporters at a Department of Agriculture roundtable discussing farming regulations.