U.S. House candidate and current State Representative Lindsay James (D-Dubuque), center, poses for a photo with supporters outside of the Toledo Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, after holding a campaign event there. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TOLEDO – It’s the start of the political season and Lindsay James, Democratic candidate for Iowa’s 2nd congressional district – which includes Tama and Grundy counties – showed up for her planned campaign event Dec. 13, 2025, at the Toledo Public Library despite near whiteout conditions. James, who hails from Dubuque, currently serves in the Iowa House representing District 99. She sat down with a handful of attendees for an up close and personal discussion, filling the next hour with her story, legislative priorities, and a Q&A.

She shared her concern about the exodus of people from the state and Iowa’s aging population. “Who will be our future workers?” she asked.

James believes focus should be placed on the economics of life for the average Iowan, healthcare, and educational opportunities to solve the population decline. James said losing the rural way of life means losing the values that make Iowa a great place to live. Her comments also included concern for Iowa’s water quality, cancer rates, and farm policy.

James’ past strategy to win in her red leaning district and her goal moving forward is to continue knocking on doors, inviting difficult conversations by listening and leaning in and addressing the problems and concerns of everyday Iowans who she sees making impossible choices during these difficult economic times. She said she has “had enough” of D.C. politics and policies benefitting billionaires and special interests.

She says she will run to and not away from the challenges we face because of her deeply held convictions and moral compass. James jokingly credited her tenacity to her red hair, while more seriously acknowledging her background as a chaplain as the source of her strength and resilience. Sitting with people in their hardest hours has shaped her convictions, she said, and she believes each person matters and their struggles deserve attention.

James is on a 22-county tour and will face off against other Democratic candidates in the June 2026 primaries. The seat is currently held by Republican Ashley Hinson of Marion, who is seeking one of Iowa’s two U.S. Senate seats in the 2026 election after incumbent Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced her retirement.