DES MOINES, Iowa —

The battle for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District is officially underway.

The northeast Iowa district, which covers Cedar Rapids, Mason City and Dubuque, was thrown wide open after Hinson announced she would run for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking reelection . With no incumbent on the ballot, Republicans see a rare opportunity in a district that’s been reliably red but could now be competitive.

“It’s an open seat, right?” said state Sen. Charlie McClintock, who launched his campaign last Thursday. “As a general rule, Republicans support other Republicans. We don't primary. So, when the seat became open with Ashley moving forward to the Senate, then this was my one opportunity.”

McClintock, a longtime law enforcement officer who retired from the Cedar Rapids Polic

See Full Page