Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks has successfully defeated her Democratic opponent, Christina Bohannan, in the race for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. Miller-Meeks has held her seat in the U.S. House since 2021, representing areas that include Davenport and Iowa City.
She initially won her seat in a tightly contested election in 2020, flipping the district from Democrat to Republican by just six votes. Over the past two years, she has managed to extend her lead, signaling strong support among her constituents.
Throughout her campaign, Miller-Meeks positioned herself as a “proven conservative,” despite facing a challenge from within her party. Her primary opponent criticized her for not aligning closely enough with conservative values. However, she secured key endorsements from prominent Republican figures, including former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who emphasized her commitment to fighting for conservative principles in Congress.
Miller-Meeks, a doctor and a military veteran, served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Her background provides her with a unique perspective on issues such as healthcare and national security.
In the campaign, Miller-Meeks and Bohannan debated over several pressing issues, including the economy, immigration, and abortion. Miller-Meeks pointed to the Biden administration’s policies as contributing to the current immigration crisis, highlighting President Trump’s earlier efforts to secure the borders.
Bohannan, a law professor and former state representative, focused her campaign on advocating for improvements in the public school system and push for stricter gun laws. She argued that Republicans have hindered necessary legislation to improve border security, which she claims would have made significant strides in addressing illegal immigration.
Miller-Meeks previously defeated Bohannan in the 2022 election with a margin of 53% to 47%. The 1st Congressional District leaned Republican during the 2020 presidential election, with Trump securing a narrow victory over Biden.
As she looks toward her future in Congress, Miller-Meeks remains committed to representing the interests of her constituents while continuing to promote conservative values.
