Rep. Zach Nunn Navigates Legislative Agenda and Political Landscape in Iowa’s 3rd District
DES MOINES, January 27, 2026 – U.S. Representative Zach Nunn (R-IA-03) is advancing a series of bipartisan legislative initiatives while facing a shifting political landscape in Iowa’s competitive 3rd Congressional District. The two-term congressman, who also serves as a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, has introduced multiple bills in recent weeks addressing issues from rural housing to artificial intelligence, even as Democratic challengers consolidate ahead of the November election.
Legislative Activity and Recent Bills
Congressman Nunn has been active in the opening weeks of the 119th Congress, introducing or co-sponsoring several pieces of bipartisan legislation. Among his recent initiatives is the Clarity for Compensation Act, co-sponsored with Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), which aims to remove regulatory barriers for independent financial advisors. The bill seeks to allow these professionals to receive compensation through their own business entities, a practice currently restricted for financial advisors but permitted for other licensed professionals like lawyers and accountants.
Other legislative efforts include the Expanding AI Voices Act with Representative Valerie Foushee (D-NC), designed to broaden AI research opportunities for rural communities and underserved students, and the Campus Housing Affordability Act with Representative Greg Landsman (D-OH), which addresses affordable housing access for college students. Nunn has also championed rural health funding, recently applauding the award of more than $209 million to Iowa from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program.
Key Legislative Actions and Political Developments
| Issue Area | Recent Development |
|---|---|
| Democratic Primary | State Representative Jennifer Konfrst suspended her congressional campaign on January 26 and endorsed State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, consolidating the Democratic field. |
| Polling & Messaging | A recent poll tested potential attack lines against Trone Garriott and positive messages about Nunn’s record on taxes and health care costs. |
| E15 Ethanol Policy | The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee criticized Nunn for not securing year-round E15 sales in recent funding legislation, drawing criticism from farm groups. |
| Minnesota Shooting Response | Nunn requested a briefing on ICE “rules of engagement” following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis, calling for de-escalation as investigations proceed. |
| Congressional Stock Trading | Nunn has signed a discharge petition to force a House vote on banning congressional stock trading and has co-sponsored related legislation. |
Political Landscape and Election Dynamics
The political environment in Iowa’s 3rd District has shifted with Konfrst’s departure from the race. In her withdrawal statement, she endorsed Trone Garriott “as our candidate to flip this Congressional seat in the general election and defeat Zach Nunn.” Trone Garriott, a Lutheran minister and state senator from West Des Moines, now becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee, though businessman Xavier Carrigan remains in the primary race.
Recent polling suggests both parties are testing messages for the general election. Republican-aligned groups have surveyed voters on potential attacks against Trone Garriott, including her organization’s receipt of a Paycheck Protection Program loan during COVID-19 and her votes on crime legislation. The same polls tested positive messages about Nunn’s support for tax cuts, health care cost reduction, and banning congressional stock trading.
Policy Priorities and Constituent Service
Beyond the legislative agenda, Nunn has focused on constituent services and responding to current events. Following the recent shooting involving federal agents in Minneapolis, Nunn was the first member of Iowa’s congressional delegation to comment publicly, stating that “loss of life in America is always a tragedy” and that “all have an obligation to de-escalate as investigations proceed.” He has requested a briefing from ICE supervisors on their rules of engagement.
The congressman has also been promoting what Republicans term the “Working Families Tax Cut,” the budget reconciliation measure passed last year. He recently expressed excitement for President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Iowa, stating the tax cut means “real money in people’s pockets to invest on the farm, to be able to spend on their kids, to be able to commit to our communities.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is running against Zach Nunn in 2026?
Following State Representative Jennifer Konfrst’s withdrawal from the race on January 26, State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott has emerged as the leading Democratic candidate. Businessman Xavier Carrigan also remains in the Democratic primary, but is not expected to be competitive against the better-funded and more established Trone Garriott.
What are Zach Nunn’s main legislative priorities?
Recent legislative activity shows Nunn focusing on financial services regulation (Clarity for Compensation Act), expanding AI education access (Expanding AI Voices Act), affordable housing (Campus Housing Affordability Act), rural health care funding, and banning congressional stock trading. He has also worked on agricultural issues, though faced criticism for not securing year-round E15 ethanol sales in recent legislation.
How has Nunn responded to the Minneapolis shooting?
Congressman Nunn requested a briefing from ICE supervisors on their “rules of engagement” following the fatal shooting of a civilian by federal agents in Minneapolis. He stated that “loss of life in America is always a tragedy” and called for de-escalation while investigations proceed. He was the first Iowa delegation member to comment publicly on the incident.
What is the political makeup of Iowa’s 3rd District?
Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District is considered competitive, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+3. The district includes Des Moines and southwestern Iowa. Nunn won the seat in 2024 by approximately 4 percentage points, and both parties are preparing for another competitive race in 2026.