Miller-Meeks advances in race for toss-up Iowa House seat
Rep.mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) is preparing for the general election as she again faces former Democratic state Rep. Christina Bohannan in one of the nation’s most competitive races. She defeated advertising executive David Pautsch in a rematch, winning 73.2% of the vote to his 26.8% (with 32% reported at the time, per the Associated Press), after previously beating him by more than 10 points in 2024.
Miller-Meeks previously supported by President Donald Trump, who chose her over Pautsch and highlighted her goals in areas such as economic growth, taxes, energy, border security, and Second Amendment defense.She has served in Congress since 2021,following a career in the Army and earlier work as an Iowa state senator.
The seat remains tightly contested: Bohannan came within one point of defeating Miller-Meeks in 2024, and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report lists the race among the 18 House toss-ups for the 2026 cycle. As November nears, both parties are expected to intensify efforts in the district covering most of southeast Iowa.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) is headed to the general election to once again face former Democratic state Rep. Christina Bohannan in one of the country’s most competitive races.
Miller-Meeks beat advertising executive David Pautsch in a rematch Tuesday night, receiving 73.2% of the votes compared to Pautsch’s 26.8% with 32% of the votes counted, according to the Associated Press. She beat him by over 10 points in their 2024 matchup.
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President Donald Trump received roughly 54% of the 2024 presidential vote in Iowa’s 1st congressional district. The president endorsed Miller-Meeks over Pautsch last year.
“In Congress, Mariannette is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advocate for our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.
The Iowa Republican has been in Congress since 2021. She previously served in the Army for over two decades as a nurse and doctor. She later became an Iowa state senator before being elected to Congress.
Miller-Meeks sits in one of the most competitive seats in the country, as Bohannan came within one point of unseating her in 2024. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report has this race among the 18 toss-up races for the 2026 cycle that will determine control of the House of Representatives.
While Democrats have been overperforming in nearly every election since 2024, both parties are expected to play hard for the district covering most of Southeast Iowa as November approaches.
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