Former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.
“It has become clear to me that I can help President Trump in other ways that are more effective than being in the U.S. House,” Blum said in a news release. “I love our country, and despite our challenges I remain optimistic that under the President’s leadership, America’s best days are still to come.”
Blum, a 70-year-old Dubuque resident, had launched his campaign Sept. 18. The former CEO and president of Eagle Point Software previously served in Congress representing northeast Iowa from his initial 2014 election until he lost to former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer, a Democrat, in the 2018 midterm election.
Seeking a return to Washington, D.C., Blum announced he would support his campaign with a personal $250,000 investment. He was running for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, who in turn is running for the U.S. Senate. Incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst announced she will not seek reelection in 2026.
There are several other Republicans still in the race to become the GOP candidate in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. Iowa Rep. Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta; state Sen. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, and former state lawmaker Joe Mitchell all also announced their campaigns for the nomination in September.
Three Democrats are also running for the seat: Iowa Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque; Clint Twedt-Ball, the founder of the nonprofit Matthew 25, and Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College.
Political forecasters predict the 2026 race for the 2nd Congressional District is likely to be less competitive than other Iowa races. But following Hinson’s announcement that she would leave the race, Cook Political Report shifted the rating for the seat from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican” in 2026.
Robin Opsahl covers the Iowa Legislature and politics for Iowa Capital Dispatch, where this story first appeared.
