The youngest person to be elected to the Iowa legislature, Joe Mitchell, has launched a campaign for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.
“I’m running for Congress because too many Iowans have been left behind by a broken political system that works for insiders and lobbyists, not for us. For too long, politicians in Washington have wasted our tax dollars and cut backroom deals while working families pay the price,” Mitchell said. “I’ll work with President Trump to end reckless spending, secure our borders, protect our farmers, and build an economy where hard work pays again. It’s time to take power back from the insiders and return it to the people of Iowa — where it belongs.”
Mitchell initially ran for office at the age of 20 and was sworn in at 21, a move that made him the “youngest state legislator in Iowa’s state history,” his campaign website says.
The young Republican leader launched a “nationwide non-profit called Run GenZ, where they recruit young conservatives from across the county to run for state and local office,” the site adds, explaining that his efforts “have helped hundreds of young people run and win state and local elections in all 50 states.”
Mitchell’s announcement marks the latest development in Iowa politics, as Senator Joni Ernst announced that she will not be seeking reelection.
“It has been an honor to dedicate my life to the service of our great state and country, having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support. Now, as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to give back to them,” she said. “After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking reelection in 2026.”
