Former U.S. Rep. Rod Blum is suspending his campaign for the Republican nomination in Iowa's open 2nd Congressional District race.

"It has become clear to me that I can help President Trump in other ways that are more effective than being in the U.S. House," Blum said in a statement Oct. 13. "I love our country, and despite our challenges, I remain optimistic that under the president’s leadership, America’s best days are still to come."

The 2nd Congressional District covers 22 counties in northeast Iowa, including the cities of Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Waterloo and Mason City.

Blum's decision to drop out of the race comes less than a month after he announced his candidacy for Congress on Sept. 18 following incumbent U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson's decision to run for U.S. Senate .

Blum, o

See Full Page