Michael Bridgford: Independents in Congress would help get things done • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Michael Bridgford, an independent candidate running in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District spoke Aug. 15, 2026 at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Michael Bridgford said Saturday at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox that a couple of independent candidates, like him, in the U.S. House would be able to “push” for votes on issues like term limits, campaign finance reform, and chamber leadership.
Bridgford is running as an independent candidate in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District against Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan.
Bridgford said he is a candidate for 1st District voters who are “frustrated” with Congress.
“People feel as though they’re not being represented, they’re not being heard, and we’re going to change that this year,” Bridgford said.
According to a Gallup poll from January, 45% of U.S. voters identified as independent in 2025. Bridgford said there is a “nation…