Partnership Hosts Political Candidates for Iowa During 2024 Candidate Forum Series

In the upcoming election, the economy and growth of the region is on the top of many voters’ minds. The Greater Des Moines Partnership had the opportunity to host each of the eight U.S. House of Representative candidates for Iowa in the 2024 Partnership Candidate Forum Series. This series provided Partnership Investors and Members the opportunity to listen and ask questions to each congressional candidate in the state. As an economic and community development organization, we brought the region’s growth to the forefront during the candidate forum series. We asked candidates directly about their vision in attracting investment, creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth for the region.

Each candidate had their own ideas to strengthen our region. A summary of their responses can be found below with the candidates listed alphabetically.

Political Candidates on Investment and Growth for the Greater DSM Region

Lanon Baccam, Candidate for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District

Lanon Baccam holds the economy as an ecosystem where all issues are connected. He emphasized the importance of investments and legislation on workforce attraction, housing, healthcare and child care as means to bring sustainable growth. He also would prioritize renewable energy, recreation and community project funding to strengthen the region.

Christina Bohannan, Candidate for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District

Christina Bohannan believes that growing the economy is the “tide that lifts all boats.” She wants to ensure the passage of the Farm Bill, bring manufacturing back to Iowa, improve rural healthcare and amplify constituent and business work through federal dollars. She also believes growth is a multifaceted issue that requires a favorable tax environment. It also requires investments in child care, affordable housing and public education to draw people and companies to Iowa.

Sarah Corkery, Candidate for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District

Sarah Corkery believes inclusivity is essential to the growth of the region. She also believes improving the economy through tax structures and incentives are important. Corkery also emphasizes the importance of investments in clean water, maternal health, public education and housing to attract people to the region.

Representative Randy Feenstra, Candidate for Iowa’s 4th District

Representative Feenstra thinks growing the economy is the essential factor in bringing investment, jobs and growth to the region. To grow the economy, Representative Feenstra would prioritize renewing the Tax Cut and Jobs Act. He would also prioritize research and innovation, an increase in the number of H1A and H1B visas to address worker shortages and measures to protect Iowa family farmers.

Representative Ashley Hinson, Candidate for Iowa’s 2nd District

Representative Hinson aims to see movement in Congress on important bills like the Farm Bill and the reauthorization of the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act to support Iowa taxpayers and rural communities. To promote sustainable growth, she believes Iowa needs infrastructure investments into projects like airports. She also thinks that affordable housing, child care and robust maternal health care are essential to growth.

Ryan Melton, Candidate for Iowa’s 4th District

Ryan Melton emphasized the importance of addressing the Iowa Brain Drain in order to maintain and grow the region. To address this issue, he believes in improving housing stock, child care, inclusion, maternal health care and public education. He thinks Community Project Funding can grow the region, and he believes in the importance of expanding the child tax credit and other social services measures from the pandemic to support the region.

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Candidate for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District

Representative Miller-Meeks sees the reauthorization of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act as essential to attracting investments, jobs and growth as she believes the bill supports manufacturers, farmers and small businesses. Representative Miller-Meeks believes affordable and reliable energy without mandates is important to growth as Iowa is an energy state. She also believes in the importance of Community Project Funding and getting federal funding to constituent projects.

Representative Zach Nunn, Candidate for Iowa’s 3rd District

Representative Nunn highlights the importance of leveraging Community Project Funding to support major initiatives in the district, including ICON Water Trails and the DMACC Transportation Institute. He also emphasizes the value of securing federal grants for key infrastructure projects, such as the Southeast Connector and the Des Moines International Airport. Additionally, Nunn underscores the critical need to address child care and housing challenges.

The Partnership will continue to elevate investment, jobs and sustainable growth throughout 2025 with the elected candidates in the upcoming Congress. The General Election is quickly approaching, and voting is a great way for Iowans to make their voices heard. Research candidates, make a plan and don’t miss this important opportunity!

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending events the State Legislative Leadership Breakfast and DMDC. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.