Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott Defeats Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa House Race

In a significant political shift, Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democratic state senator and Lutheran minister, emerged victorious in the Iowa House race, defeating Republican Zach Nunn. This outcome not only solidified Garriott's position as the new representative for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District but also marked a notable gain for the Democrats in their quest to strengthen their foothold in the House of Representatives.

The race, which took place on November 8, 2026, saw Garriott secure 54.6% of the vote, narrowly edging out Nunn who garnered 45.4%. The Associated Press officially declared Garriott the winner at 12:03 a.m., cementing her status as the first Democrat to represent Iowa in Congress since 2022. This victory underscores the changing political landscape in what was once a reliably Republican district.

Zach Nunn, a Republican representative closely aligned with President Trump, had previously held the seat since 2022. His decision to run again was influenced by encouragement from Trump and other GOP leaders, despite initial contemplation of a gubernatorial bid. However, his margin of victory in 2022 was relatively narrow, and he faced a challenging opponent in Garriott, who hails from West Des Moines and is deeply rooted in the community.

Garriott’s win is particularly noteworthy given the historical context of the 3rd Congressional District. Traditionally a battleground or 'purple' district, it has seen close contests in recent years. In 2024, Donald Trump won the district by approximately 4 points, highlighting the district's swing-state characteristics. The 3rd District encompasses Des Moines and parts of southern Iowa, making it a crucial area for both parties.

This election cycle featured three competitive House races in Iowa, with Garriott’s victory standing out as a pivotal moment. Her success in flipping a previously Republican-held seat demonstrates the potential for further gains in traditionally red areas, providing hope for Democrats looking to expand their influence in the Midwest.

What We Know

• Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democratic state senator and Lutheran minister, won the election. ¹²³
• Zach Nunn, a Republican representative closely associated with President Trump, lost the election. ¹²³
• Sarah Trone Garriott defeated Zach Nunn in the Iowa House race. ²³
• This victory for the Democrats resulted in a gain of one seat in the House of Representatives. ¹
• Garriott received 54.6% of the vote, while Nunn received 45.4%. The Associated Press called the race at 12:03 a.m. ³
• This is the first time a Democrat has represented Iowa in Congress since 2022. ³
• The election took place in Iowa. ¹²³
• Sarah Trone Garriott is a Democratic state senator. ²³
• Zach Nunn is a Republican representative from Iowa. ²³
• The race took place in Iowa's 3rd Congressional District. ²
• The district was previously under Republican control for two terms. ²
• The race is considered a battleground or 'purple' district. ²
• The 3rd Congressional District of Iowa includes Des Moines and parts of southern Iowa. ³
• Zach Nunn previously won the seat in 2022 by around 4 points. ³
• Donald Trump won the district in 2024 by approximately 4 points. ³
• Nunn considered running for governor but decided to stay in the race for Congress due to encouragement from Trump and other GOP leaders. ³
• There were three competitive House races in Iowa during this election cycle. ³
• Des Moines is included within the 3rd Congressional District. ²
• Sarah Trone Garriott is a Lutheran minister from West Des Moines. ²