Iowa Democrats Target U.S. Senate Seat

Iowa Democrats are positioning themselves to take a significant shot at a U.S. Senate seat. State Representative Josh Turek and State Senator Zach Walls are both in the running to challenge the Republican nominee in what’s shaping up to be a crucial election.

In another notable race, Democratic candidate Sarah Tron Garriott, a minister and state representative, is aiming for one of the House’s most competitive seats in the country. She’s become involved in a project titled “Preaching Resistance,” which encourages religious leaders to oppose President Donald Trump and his allies from their pulpits.

Following Trump’s 2016 victory, Tron Garriott contributed a chapter to a 2018 book named “Preaching as Resistance: A Voice of Hope, Justice, and Solidarity.” She expressed that the election brought the U.S. alarmingly close to fascism.

As Trump’s inauguration inspired many pastors toward resistance, Phil Snyder, a pastor himself, highlighted the emergence of “resistance pastors” who stand against a coalition he describes as based in white supremacy and greed.

Tron Garriott’s involvement isn’t without controversy. She’s faced increased scrutiny from Republican adversaries regarding her past remarks concerning religious and cultural matters. Republicans see her district, particularly including Des Moines, as critical for retaining their slender majority. The Cook Political Report has labeled this contest a “toss-up.” While Trump led by over four points in Iowa during the 2024 election, recent polls suggest a decline in his approval ratings there.

In a 2023 event, she controversially discussed officiating marriages for Satanist couples and supported Wiccan-led prayers in the state legislature. Her past sermons have also linked certain displays of Christianity to political violence. She’s been vocal about criticizing private education and parental rights in schooling, pushing for more inclusive prayers in the legislature.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) expressed strong disapproval of her participation in the “Resistance” collection. One spokesperson claimed she sees the pulpit as a means to promote her radical agenda, suggesting her views twist biblical interpretations to fit her political stance.

Tron Garriott did not respond to inquiries regarding her reasons for contributing to this collection or whether she endorses claims made in its foreword that Trump and millions of voters are fundamentally rooted in racism.

The collection, touted as “provocative” by its publisher, features 30 sermons with themes ranging from challenging gender norms to criticizing immigration enforcement. Some authors even point to a biblical basis for sanctuary cities to resist federal laws.

Tron Garriott’s own sermon, while less politically charged, serves as her reflection on the aftermath of Trump’s election. Though she refrained from explicitly stating the election results, her message appeared to offer encouragement to an audience grappling with upset. She referenced historical moments of Christian disenfranchisement and advocated for preparedness in uncertain times, drawing from scripture.