Joe Mitchell Announces Congressional Campaign in Iowa

Joe Mitchell, a former official in the Trump administration and a founder of a nonprofit aimed at recruiting young conservatives, declared his candidacy for the open U.S. House seat in Iowa on Monday.

At just 28 years old, Mitchell is entering a primary contest in Iowa’s Second Congressional District, taking the place of Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, who is vying for a Senate position. If successful, he would become the first Gen Z Republican elected to Congress, representing a GOP-leaning area in Northeast Iowa.

“I’m running for Congress because too many Iowans feel neglected by a broken political system that favors insiders and lobbyists, rather than regular people,” Mitchell stated. “For far too long, politicians in Washington have been squandering taxpayer dollars and engaging in shady deals, while working families bear the consequences.”

He added, “I plan to collaborate with President Trump to put an end to irresponsible spending, safeguard our borders, support farmers, and foster an economy where hard work is properly rewarded. It’s time to take authority from the insiders and hand it back to the people of Iowa.”

Mitchell’s campaign highlights Trump’s agenda and emphasizes a focus on “America First” policies. Given his background in housing, his stance on housing issues might be particularly notable.

Before launching his campaign, Mitchell served as the Regional Director for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the Great Plains and held the position of Chief of Staff for the Federal Housing Finance Agency during Trump’s second term. He also runs a real estate development company in Iowa and has been involved in the Iowa Real Estate Development Association as its president and chair.

Mitchell has experience serving in the Iowa House of Representatives for two terms, from 2019 to 2023. During this time, he notably became the youngest member in Iowa’s history when elected at age 21.

While Republicans hope to retain the Second District in the upcoming 2026 elections, Democrats are eyeing the open house seat as well. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified this area as one of 26 potential opportunities during the midterms.

Republican Iowa Senator Charlie McClintock has also announced his candidacy in the GOP primary to succeed Hinson.

Additionally, Mitchell is the founder and former president of Run Genz, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping young conservatives run for state and local offices, boasting over 130 elected officials as part of its coalition.