Lindsay James for Congress

I know who represents my point of view

by Doug Smith

August 26, 2026

With our high-profile governor and senate races here in Iowa, some other races are not getting the attention they deserve.  One key race that is still below the radar for many is the race to replace Ashley Hinson in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This 2^nd District race is key to regaining control of the House, so we need to learn more about the candidates.

Lindsay James is the Democratic candidate.  She is a mom, a Presbyterian pastor and chaplain, and a state representative from Dubuque.  Her priorities are good paying jobs, reducing inflation, access to healthcare for everyone, and affordable childcare.  She will NOT be a rubber stamp for Trump and will push for accountability. 

On the Republican side, Joe Mitchell would like to represent you in Congress.  He also has the endorsement of Trump, for whom he worked as regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  He also spent over $77,000 in campaign funds last year at Mar-a-Lago.  With that in mind, who will he be listening to?  You and your needs?  Or will he be another obedient puppy for Trump? 

Recently, Joe Mitchell insulted Lindsay James in public.  He called her a “PINO”, or “Pastor in Name Only” because he thinks all pastors ought to think like him.  That’s an insult to all pastors and chaplains… to say they don’t have the freedom to choose their own political viewpoints.  I guess he figures if his hero Trump can gratuitously insult anyone at any time, he should be able to as well. 

In response, Lindsay said, “You can imagine my disappointment when I heard my opponent claim that people like me aren’t ‘real’ pastors.  These kinds of attacks speak more about who my opponent is than who I am.  Folks are tired of partisan politics.  They want someone with a moral compass and the courage of conviction to show up for them, to fight for them, to do right by them.”

In the Iowa legislature, Lindsay worked across party lines to:

·        Co-found Iowa’s first bipartisan, bicameral caucus—breaking down barriers between Republicans and Democrats to solve problems.



·    Expand access to affordable insulin, ensuring Iowans can get the life-saving medication they need without facing financial ruin.



·         Protect mobile home residents from predatory corporate landlords looking to price-gouge hardworking families.



·       Champion affordable housing and mental health care, advocating for policies that strengthen communities from the ground up.



Lindsay has earned the endorsement of former Lt. Governor Sally Pederson, Sen. Bill Dotzler, Rep. Bob Kressig, National Educators Association, Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, AFSCME Council 61, Vote Common Good, and many others. 

I know who I’d rather have in Washington representing me.  If you think Lindsay James is the person you plan to vote for, can you do more than just vote?  She will need campaign volunteers and she needs more donations.  Deep pocketed Republicans are funding Mitchell’s campaign, and they have raised more and spent more than Lindsay so far.  Go to www.lindsayforiowa.com to find out how you can get involved. 

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