Politics in a Nutshell

Democrats just turned in the biggest overperformance in a special election this year

Iowa Democrats have turned in the three largest overperformances in special elections in 2025. It’s a state where the Republican governor just announced her retirement.

Don Bacon sets $500B red line on Medicaid - POLITICO

Rep. Don Bacon has announced that he won’t vote for a Republican spending package that includes more than $500 billion in Medicaid cuts. Unfortunately for the millions that would still lose their health insurance under this plan, Bacon’s “principled stand” only goes so far. Even so-called ‘moderate’ Republicans are still a disaster for people’s healthcare.

Trump, asked if he has to 'uphold the Constitution,' says, 'I don't know'

The title speaks for itself.

Representatives on the Record

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (202) 225-6576

Does Rep. Miller-Meeks support the plan to cut Medicaid? Is she ‘comfortable’ cutting Medicaid by $500 billion? What about the Iowa families that rely on it for their health insurance? How many small-town Iowa hospitals will be closed due to Medicaid cuts? What is she doing to make sure her own constituents aren’t hurt by this reckless plan?

Representative Ashley Hinson (202) 225-2911

Does Rep. Hinson support the plan to cut Medicaid? Is she ‘comfortable’ cutting Medicaid by $500 billion? What about the Iowa families that rely on it for their health insurance? How many small-town Iowa hospitals will be closed due to Medicaid cuts? What is she doing to make sure her own constituents aren’t hurt by this reckless plan?

Representative Zach Nunn (515) 400-8180

Does Rep. Nunn support the plan to cut Medicaid? Is he ‘comfortable’ cutting Medicaid by $500 billion? What about the Iowa families that rely on it for their health insurance? How many small-town Iowa hospitals will be closed due to Medicaid cuts? What is he doing to make sure his own constituents aren’t hurt by this reckless plan?

Representative Randy Feenstra (712) 224-4692

Does Rep. Feenstra support the plan to cut Medicaid? Is he ‘comfortable’ cutting Medicaid by $500 billion? What about the Iowa families that rely on it for their health insurance? How many small-town Iowa hospitals will be closed due to Medicaid cuts? What is he doing to make sure his own constituents aren’t hurt by this reckless plan?

Take Action

Volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party below. Help take our state and country back from the brink of Republican chaos.

Join the IDP at one of the many events being hosted in every corner of the state. See the full list of events by visiting iowademocrats.org and clicking the “Calendar” button in the top right corner.

Labor Rising: Accountability Town Hall

When: Fri, May 9, 6:00-8:00pm

Where: Central Park,106 N Court St. Ottumwa, IA

Description: Event hosted by the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor. Zach Nunn has declined to hold public forums to hear from Iowa voters, so we are hosting one for him! Join us and be heard! In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at: UFCW Hall at 1305 E Mary Street, Ottumwa.

Dubuque County Democrats Hall of Fame

When: Sat, May 10, 6:00-7:00pm

Where: Diamond Jo Casino Banquet Room, 2nd Floor 301 Bell Street Dubuque

Description: Heavy appetizers and Cash Bar. Join us as we honor local Democrats who have made a difference. Featuring Keynote speaker Dave Markward Author of From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America. Doors Open at 6 pm. Program starts at 7 pm. Purchase tickets via ActBlue here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dbqdemshalloffame2025

If you wish to pay by cash or check, please contact Dubuque County Democrats Chair Eli Link to buy tickets: [email protected]

Town Hall with Pete Buttigieg

When: Tues, May 13, 5:30-7:00pm

Where: Downtown Cedar Rapids

Description: Event hosted by VoteVets. The town hall will be an opportunity for Iowans - including Veterans and military families - to come together to discuss the recent wave of policy decisions that have negatively impacted Americans. Hear directly from Pete Buttigieg on how the Trump-Vance administration’s actions have made Americans less prosperous and less free - and how we all have a role to play in building a better future. This event will take place in downtown Cedar Rapids, IA. Location and arrival instructions will be sent the day before. Sign up for the event here: VoteVets Town Hall with Pete Buttigieg in Cedar Rapids · Win the Era

Note From the Chair

Hey folks! Rita Hart here.

I have great news to share. Iowa Democrats have turned in the top three overperformances in special elections so far in 2025. In all three of our special elections this year, Iowa Democratic candidates have performed an average of 25 points better than Democratic candidates did in those same districts in 2024.

Last week Angel Ramirez turned in a 33-point overperformance to win House District 78 in Linn County. Her victory shows that as long as candidates understand and fight for their communities, Democrats can win elections across the state. It also shows how fired up voters are for a change in our state government. 

If you want to join your fellow Iowans in their fight for change, you can sign up to volunteer with the Iowa Democratic Party by clicking here, or check out our events calendar by clicking here. 

To make the change we all want to see, we need to work together. I appreciate your continued involvement and support of the Iowa Democratic Party.

Our work continues,

Sincerely,

Rita Hart

IDP Chair