One of Iowa’s most closely watched congressional races is heading into its final stretch, with voters in the 3rd Congressional District facing a clear choice between two candidates with distinct visions for the district’s future. The race pits incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn against Democratic state Senator Sarah Trone Garriott — and the policy differences between them span nearly every major issue facing Iowans today.
Nunn, who is seeking a third term in the U.S. House, and Trone Garriott, a sitting Iowa state senator, have laid out competing positions on issues ranging from the economy and health care to water quality and national defense. Voters can get a full side-by-side look at where each candidate stands through a detailed candidate comparison covering the U.S. House races across Iowa.
The two candidates faced off in a live televised debate hosted by KCCI, where they addressed some of the most pressing concerns for families and communities across the district. Topics covered in the debate included the rising cost of living, fuel costs, rural hospital closures, cancer rates, and the state of Iowa’s water quality — issues that touch everyday life for residents throughout the region.
What Was Covered in the Debate
The KCCI debate gave both candidates a platform to address voter concerns head-on. Questions were posed on a wide range of subjects, including what each candidate would cut to help pay for proposed tax reductions, how they plan to keep rural hospitals and clinics open, and what steps can be taken to bring Iowa’s cancer rates under control.
Candidates were also pressed on attack ads running in the race — specifically claims related to locker room access and the release of Jeffrey Epstein files — as well as their positions on ongoing international conflicts, including the war involving Iran.
For voters who missed the live broadcast, KCCI recorded individual segments of the debate, capturing each candidate’s opening statement, their responses on economic pressures like fuel costs and cost of living, and their stances on environmental concerns including water quality. More information on the debate and how it was conducted is available through KCCI’s preview of the 3rd District debate.
The 3rd Congressional District race is considered one of the more competitive House contests in Iowa, making it a race that could have broader implications beyond the state. With significant policy contrasts between the two candidates, voters have a meaningful decision ahead. Reporting on this race follows established editorial standards to ensure fair and accurate coverage for all readers.