Incumbent GOP Rep. Zach Nunn wins reelection for Iowa's 3rd District
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Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn has fended off a challenge from Democrat Lanon Baccam in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, the Associated Press reports.
Why it matters: Nearly $25 million in ad spending has been poured into the toss-up seat that represents the majority of the Des Moines metro area, according to political ad tracker AdImpact.
Context: Cook Political Report, a top election forecaster, switched its ranking for the seat from "right-leaning" to "toss-up" last month as Baccam, a former USDA administrator, proved to be a strong fundraiser.
- Baccam's ads targeted Nunn's past position in favor of an abortion ban without exceptions, putting the congressman on the defensive. Nunn challenged that he has always supported exceptions in the case of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.
- Nunn and Republican allies, meanwhile, focused attacks on Baccam's past work for President Biden's 2020 campaign and worked to tie him to the White House.
Catch up quick: Nunn, a United States Air Force officer, narrowly won his seat by just over 2,000 votes in 2022, unseating former U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne by less than a percentage point.
- The 3rd District became more favorable to Republicans following redistricting that added more rural counties in 2022.