4th District GOP candidate Chris McGowan says US must be 'prudent' entering wars • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Chris McGowan emphasizes experience as a military veteran
Chris McGowan, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president and 4th District Republican candidate, delivered remarks at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 17, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Chris McGowan, the Republican running for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, said Monday he believes the federal government needs to be “extremely prudent” in deciding when to enter wars — though he declined to comment specifically on if the decision for the U.S. to enter into conflict with Iran met this definition.
McGowan, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce president and a veteran, told the crowd gathered to listen to his speech at the Des Moines Register Political Soapbox that five of his six children are currently serving in the U.S. military. He said his own experience as a former member of the Iowa Air National Guard and his children’s service makes the use of military force is a “cr…