IA-02: Democrats go on defense in crucial heartland House race in Iowa

WHEATLAND, Iowa — Republicans sense an opportunity in the rolling corn and soybean fields in southeastern Iowa. But Democrats won’t be giving up their hold on this heartland district without a fight.

Republicans’ path to the House majority runs through the 31 Democrat-held districts that President Donald Trump won in 2016. And one of them, Iowa’s 2nd District, ranks among the GOP’s best pickup opportunities next year because it’s the only one of the 31 without an incumbent defending the seat.

Democratic incumbent Dave Loebsack’s decision to retire shot his seat to the top of GOP target lists, since the seven-term lawmaker had managed to survive Republican wave years. On Thursday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added the 2nd District to their target list too.

Without Loebsack on the ballot, Republicans believe they can flip this seat, which Trump won by 4 points. But Democrats believe they scored one of their top recruits of the cycle so far to take his place: former state Sen. Rita Hart.






https://www.rollcall.com/news/campaigns/democrats-go-defense-crucial-heartland-house-race