IA-02
Dave Bushaw (I) vs. Lindsay James (D) vs. Joe Mitchell (R) vs. Rick Stewart (I). General election Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
What does a U.S. representative do?
Writes and votes on federal laws for a district of about 760,000 people. All bills about taxes and spending must start in the House. 2-year term. One per district.
- Votes on the federal budget
- Introduces bills
- Helps constituents with federal agencies (Social Security, VA, passports)
Your options
Listed alphabetically by last name. Each box has the same sections in the same order. Donation and campaign links appear only after we confirm they belong to the candidate's own committee.
Dave Bushaw
Who they are
In their words: “Labor Unionist. Independent. Unapologetic Enemy of the Elite Ruling Class. Running for Congress to take back Washington for the Workers.” campaign site
What they say they'll do
- Abolish Private Taxes & Create Universal Public Healthcare
- Organized Workers Rights & Ending Anti-Union Loopholes
- Childcare Access & Expanded Pre-K Programs for Working Families
- Federal Election Day Holiday & In-Person Voting
- Accessible & Accountable Congress: Upcap the House
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
Lindsay James
Who they are
In their words: “Join our campaign to level the playing field for all Iowans” campaign site
What they say they'll do
- Bring Down the Cost of Living for Working Iowans
- A Healthcare System that Works for All
- End DC Corruption
- Protect Our Education System
- Support Iowa Farmers
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
ActBlue page belongs to "Lindsay James", checked against FEC records.
Joe Mitchell
Who they are
In their words: “Join Joe Mitchell's campaign for Congress in lowa's 2nd Congressional District. Bold conservative leadership, lowa values, and real solutions to protect America's future.” campaign site
What they say they'll do
- Public Safety
- Education
- Jobs & the Economy
- Housing & Healthcare
- National Security
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
WinRed page belongs to "Joe Mitchell for Congress", checked against FEC records.
Rick Stewart
Who they are
What they say they'll do
What they've done
Who funds them
In short
Where they stand, issue by issue
Quotes are taken from each campaign's own website (first sentences of the section, unedited). Topics are assigned by keyword; we do not summarize or score positions. "No public position found" means we did not find the topic on the campaign site, not that the candidate has no view.
We live in a country where, for the last nearly 100 years, labor unions have actively been under attack by the ruling class as well as numerous Federal Administrations.source
Too many Iowans are living pay check to pay check, making impossible choices because of their financial realities. It’s the mom making the impossible choice, do I pay my utility bill or buy my child a winter coat. The Dad, do I put food on the table for my family, or pay the rent.source
It’s time to bring good-paying jobs back. I’m for smaller government, lower taxes, and less spending.source
Private taxes (premiums, copayments, and deductibles) are taxes imposed by private industry on Americans for the healthcare they need to remain healthy and productive members of our society.source
No one in the United States should have to face bankruptcy because of a healthcare emergency. No one in our country should have to ration life saving medication because of high costs and deductibles, or travel hundreds of miles to receive quality care.source
Housing and healthcare are becoming out of reach for many in the district. We need to restore the American Dream.source
I believe that if we intend to continue the experiment of being a Nation, strong borders are necessary.source
Legal immigration is a privilege and there is a process to citizenship. The Biden-made border crisis poses a national security risk to the country.source
We can’t allow our cities to be overrun by violent criminals. We need to support and fund the police while working for practical reform.source
In Iowa, about 1/4 of our state’s population lives in what is referred to as ‘childcare deserts.’ That means that 25% of Iowans live where childcare is unavailable or too expensive to afford. This number jumps significantly to 35% when looking specifically at rural Iowa communities.source
As a working mom of two teenagers, I know what parents and kids are going through and it’s tough. Our kids are dealing with an education system that has been systemically underfunded, and Iowa is dealing with a Private School Voucher scheme designed to benefit the most fortunate amongst us.source
No investment is more important than our children. I’m for school choice, increasing graduation rates, & eliminating CRT from classrooms.source
Our current military budget is nearing $1 TRILLION every single year, three times the amount of China and six times the spending total of Russia, our two largest near-peer adversaries.source
Veterans deserve to be able to build the life they know they deserve when they return home. But with the cost of living crisis, rising healthcare costs, and lack of affordable housing, they are forced to make impossible decisions.source
I’m for strengthening alliances while putting American interests first. We must reward friends and punish foes, not the other way around.source
The right to vote in America is something that should be celebrated every Election Day. Unfortunately, millions of Americans do not participate due to prohibitive work schedules and other commitments. There are mail-in and early voting options, but even those are not guaranteed solutions.source
Washington is riddled with corruption and greed. Our system of government has been rigged for billionaires and large corporations which seek only to expand their bottom line. Money in politics has led to toxic partisanship which seeks to divide us, distract us, and to keep us down.source
Iowa wouldn’t be Iowa without our farmers. I will always stand with the farmers— the stewards of our land, the hands that feed the people of the world, and the legacy of our state. Iowa farmers have had to fight through economic downturns, unpredictable markets, and rising costs.source
No candidate in this race addresses on their site: Taxes & government spending, Social Security & Medicare, Guns, Abortion, Energy & environment, Foreign policy & defense, Housing, Roads, transit & infrastructure.
About this race
No incumbent is on the ballot (open seat). The race is rated a toss-up. 2-year term. One per district.
Rating from the Cook Political Report race ratings, Oct 23, 2026. Candidates from the Iowa Secretary of State, candidate list for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election.
