Representative in Congress District 1 in Congressional District 1, Iowa

2026 Primary Election

• Mariannette Miller-Meeks — Incumbent U.S. Representative in IA

  Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a 70-year-old physician, U.S. Army veteran, and Republican U.S. Representative for Iowa's 1st Congressional District, serving since 2023 and previously representing the 2nd District from 2021-2022. She also served in the Iowa Senate. A champion for the AMA, she advocates for Medicare reform, border security, and lower costs for Iowans, having notably voted against the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. She is up for re-election in 2026, endorsed by Donald Trump, and considered crucial for Republicans to maintain House control, facing competitive primary and general election challenges.

• David Pautsch — Marketing consultant and Executive Director of Thy Kingdom Come Ministries in Davenport, IA

  David Pautsch, a self-proclaimed "MAGA Republican" from Davenport, Iowa, is campaigning for the Republican nomination in Iowa's 1st Congressional District in 2026. He is challenging incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks, having previously lost to her in the 2024 Republican primary. Born in Jacksonville, Illinois, Pautsch served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1976, playing tuba in the Army Continental Band. He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing communications from Virginia Tech in 1980. His professional background includes work as a marketing consultant and executive director of Thy Kingdom Come Ministries. He presents himself as a more conservative alternative and is affiliated with RiverCity Church, Quad Cities. He is a father of six, having lost a son who was serving in the Army in Iraq in 2009.

• Christina Bohannan — Law professor in Iowa City, IA

  Christina Bohannan is a mom, law professor, and engineer, and a former Iowa state representative. She is running for Congress to represent Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, prioritizing working families, farmers, seniors, and small businesses over wealthy Washington insiders. Bohannan champions policies aimed at lowering costs, protecting reproductive rights, and strengthening public education. Her campaign emphasizes bringing Iowa values to Congress, ensuring that if you work hard, you deserve a fair shot to get ahead. She previously served in the Iowa House of Representatives and announced her 2026 campaign in June 2025.

• Travis Terrell — University of Iowa Health Care employee in IA

  Travis Terrell, a 39-year-old Democrat from Johnson County, Iowa, and a University of Iowa Health Care employee, is running for Congress. Raised in a working-class, union-proud family, he was motivated to run after seeing his elderly mother struggle with bills, aiming to be a voice for those left behind by a system favoring the wealthy. His platform advocates for Medicare for All, pro-worker reforms including union protection and good-paying jobs, protecting reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights, and ending the influence of corporate money in politics. He also champions environmental protections for Iowa's water and farmland.