Iowa — 2nd District

President Donald Trump is endorsing Joe Mitchell to be the Republican nominee for Congress in Iowa's 2nd District.

"It is my great honor to endorse MAGA Patriot Joe Mitchell, who is running to represent the fantastic people of Iowa's 2nd Congressional District," Trump said Jan. 27 in a post on Truth Social.

Mitchell, of Clear Lake, is a former state representative who served two terms in the Iowa House from 2019 to 2023 representing portions of southeast Iowa. He later founded Run Gen Z, a group that aims to elect young conservatives to office.

And Mitchell worked for the Trump administration as chief of staff at the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as serving briefly as a regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

"As a former Appointee in my administration at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and, as the youngest state legislator in Iowa’s history, Joe has proven he has the courage and wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of his wonderful state and nation," Trump said. "As your next congressman, Joe will fight tirelessly to grow our economy, cut taxes and regulations, champion our farmers, promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., advance American energy DOMINANCE, keep our border SECURE, stop migrant crime, support our brave military/veterans, safeguard our elections, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

Mitchell thanked Trump for the endorsement in a post on social media.

"Thank you Mr. President, I will not let you down!" he said. "Ready to work together for lower costs, higher wages, and unlimited economic prosperity!"

Mitchell faces state Sen. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, in the primary for the 2nd District seat, which is vacant as Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson runs for U.S. Senate to succeed retiring Sen. Joni Ernst.

Trump's endorsement is the latest sign of Republican support consolidating around Mitchell in the race. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan have all already endorsed Mitchell's campaign. And he has the support of Turning Point Action, the conservative group founded by the late Charlie Kirk.

State Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, ended her campaign Jan. 26 and former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum ended his campaign in October.

The 2nd Congressional District covers 22 counties in northeast Iowa, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo and Mason City.

State Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque; former Cedar Rapids nonprofit leader Clint Twedt-Ball; former Kirkwood Community College Dean of Nursing Kathy Dolter; and hotel manager Guy Morgan are competing for the Democratic nomination.

Community organizer Dave Bushaw is running as an independent.