Iowa Democrat launches bid for Zach Nunn’s seat in vulnerable district
Democratic Challenger Emerges for Rep. Zach Nunn in 2024 Election
Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA), who narrowly flipped Iowa’s only Democratic House seat red in 2022, is facing a formidable challenger in the upcoming 2024 election.
Former Department of Agriculture official and veteran Lanon Baccam has officially announced his candidacy for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, becoming the first Democrat to publicly challenge Nunn for the seat he won by a slim margin of about 2,000 votes in the midterm elections.
Bringing the Nation Together
In an engaging announcement video, Baccam expressed his motivation for running for the House, emphasizing the need to unite the country.
“We can all sense and feel our country is incredibly polarized,” Baccam said passionately. “People are moving apart. And people are divided in their political camps. Nowhere is that more true than the U.S. Congress, and Zach Nunn is part of the problem.”
“I’m ready to serve Iowans. Let’s bring this country back together and rebuild our communities,” Baccam continued with determination.
Baccam brings a wealth of experience to his campaign. As a combat engineer in Afghanistan and a veteran of the Iowa National Guard, he has served his country with honor. He has also worked in Iowa’s state government, supported various Iowa Democrats, and played a crucial role in President Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign as his deputy state director in Iowa. Most recently, he served as deputy chief of staff and military veteran liaison for the USDA.
If Baccam secures the primary nomination, he will face Nunn in a highly contested swing district. Nunn narrowly defeated former Iowa Rep. Cindy Axne, the only Democratic congresswoman from Iowa, in the previous election, effectively turning Iowa’s delegation completely Republican.
“The last race was decided by just a few votes per precinct. We can win, but only if you join us,” Baccam urged, rallying his supporters.
Baccam has garnered endorsements from state Auditor Rob Sand and former Democratic Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack and his wife, Christie.
“We have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Lanon for almost two decades, and we know that he is a deeply proud Iowan who will be a thoughtful, committed congressman for the 3rd district,” the Vilsacks stated in a passionate endorsement.
Sand, in his endorsement, praised Baccam’s extensive service to Iowa and the country, emphasizing his ability to deliver tangible results for Iowans. He also highlighted the upcoming race against Nunn as one of the most competitive in 2024.
“Throughout his decades of service, Lanon has shown his commitment to serving the people of Iowa, and he is exactly the leader we need in Congress,” Sand declared proudly.
Nunn’s campaign responded to Baccam’s announcement with a statement, seemingly downplaying his candidacy.
“While he may want to be anointed the nominee by his powerful friends in DC, I suspect Iowans will have other ideas, and he’ll first have to survive a growing primary including other Democrats — Melissa Vine and Tracy Limon,” said Kendyl Parker, campaign manager for Nunn. “If he survives the primary, voters will have a clear choice between Zach — a thoughtful, independent and pragmatic representative for Iowans — and Lanon, a career Democrat political operative for Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton who will no doubt be a rubber stamp on their radical agenda he helped write.”
The stage is set for an intense battle between Nunn and Baccam, with the outcome potentially shaping the political landscape of Iowa.
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How has Baccam garnered support within the Democratic Party for his candidacy?
Over 2,000 votes, so we know that this seat is up for grabs,” Baccam stated. “I am confident that with the support of the people of Iowa, we can turn this district blue again and bring the representation that the people deserve.”
Baccam’s campaign is centered around several key issues, including healthcare, education, and climate change. He advocates for expanding access to affordable healthcare and believes that every American should have the right to quality medical care. His education platform focuses on increasing funding for schools and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Additionally, Baccam is committed to addressing the urgent issue of climate change and believes that it is imperative for the United States to take decisive action to protect the environment and transition to renewable energy sources.
Baccam’s focus on unity and his ability to connect with voters have already garnered support within the Democratic Party. Several prominent Iowa Democrats have endorsed Baccam’s candidacy, citing his dedication to public service and his commitment to representing the interests of the people.
In response to Baccam’s announcement, Rep. Zach Nunn emphasized his record in Congress and his dedication to the people of Iowa. He highlighted his efforts in advancing conservative policies that he believes have brought positive change to the district. Nunn expressed confidence in his ability to secure the trust and support of the voters once again.
As the 2024 election approaches, all eyes will be on Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. The race between Baccam and Nunn will undoubtedly be closely watched, as both candidates strive to rally support and secure the seat in Congress.
Ultimately, the outcome of this election will play a significant role in shaping the future of Iowa’s representation and potentially impacting the balance of power in the House of Representatives. It remains to be seen which candidate will prevail, but one thing is certain – the voters of Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District will have an important decision to make in 2024.
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