Iowa House Candidates Clash Over Tariffs, Tax Incentives, Medicaid Cuts

Democrat Lindsay James and Republican Joe Mitchell debated tariffs, tax policy and a $1.4 billion state tax incentive package for a planned $15 billion steel mill during their second "Iowa Press" debate for Iowa's open 2nd Congressional District seat. James, who voted for the incentive package as a state lawmaker, criticized federal tariff policy and the 2025 federal tax and spending law's Medicaid cuts as drivers of a cost-of-living crisis, while Mitchell credited President Trump's trade policies with attracting the steel project and reshoring manufacturing jobs. The candidates also disputed claims about campaign attack ads targeting each other's families. The race fills the seat vacated by Rep. Ashley Hinson, now running for U.S. Senate.

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