Democratic Candidate Acknowledges Privilege
Lindsey James, a Democratic candidate for the Iowa House, once expressed regret for her race on her now-archived campaign website from the 2020 election. As she aims to make Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District a Democratic stronghold, she included a “confession” about her identity. In this message, she identified herself as a “white, cisgender, able-bodied, middle-class, college-educated woman.” Recently, she won her primary and will compete against Republican Joe Mitchell for the seat currently held by Ashley Hinson, a Republican who is moving to a Senate run.
In her statement, James acknowledged both her hard work and the considerable advantages that came from her privilege. “While there is no doubt that I have worked hard to get to this point in life, it is also true that I have benefited greatly from my privilege,” she wrote. She committed to ongoing self-improvement and using her position to help others. The nuances of her journey and reflection are quite complex, and she admits it hasn’t been flawless.
James has also voiced her support for the Black Lives Matter movement. As protests grew across the nation, she mentioned her efforts to promote equity and inclusion. In a Facebook post, she emphasized the ongoing fight against injustice, remaining grateful for the opportunity to participate in that struggle.
Her archived website pointed out the systemic barriers faced by Black and Brown individuals in Iowa, citing a history of racism and discrimination. James advocated for police reform, pushing for annual training on unconscious bias and options for alternative sentencing that prioritize prevention and treatment.
Additionally, she holds a position on the executive committee of the Dubuque branch of the NAACP.
The 2nd Congressional District of Iowa is recognized as a critical battleground for the upcoming midterm elections in 2026, according to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The district has a notable Republican advantage, with around 30,000 more active voter registrations than Democrats.
