Summary
- Rod Blum suspends campaign for Iowa’s 2nd district seat.
- The decision was announced less than a month after launch.
- Plans to support President Trump outside the House.
Blum, a 70-year-old inhabitant of Dubuque, had started his campaign on September 18. Prior to losing to Democrat Abby Finkenauer in the 2018 midterm election, the former CEO and president of Eagle Point Software represented northeast Iowa in Congress from his first election in 2014.
“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 news release.
“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.”
In an attempt to get back to Washington, D.C., Blum declared he would contribute $250,000 of his own money to his candidacy. He was vying for the U.S. Senate seat that is presently occupied by Republican U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson. Sen. Joni Ernst, the incumbent, declared she would not run for reelection in 2026.
In Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, a number of other Republicans are still vying to be the GOP nominee. In September, former state lawmaker Joe Mitchell, state senator Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett, and Iowa representative Shannon Lundgren, R-Peosta, also declared their intentions to run for the nomination.
Additionally, three Democrats are vying for the same seat: Kathy Dolter, the former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College; Clint Twedt-Ball, the founder of the organization Matthew 25; and Iowa Representative Lindsay James, D-Dubuque.
Political analysts anticipate that compared to other Iowa contests, the 2026 contest for the 2nd Congressional District will probably be less contested. However, Cook Political Report changed the seat's 2026 rating from "solid Republican" to "likely Republican" after Hinson declared she would withdraw from the campaign.
How does this affect Ashley Hinson’s Senate campaign prospects?
Blum’s withdrawal removes a potential challenger from the Republican primary race for the district Hinson currently represents, allowing her to focus fully on her Senate campaign without fearing a strong primary opponent from within her own party.
Blum’s decision reduces intra-party competition, potentially consolidating GOP backing and donor resources behind Hinson as she seeks to replace Senator Joni Ernst, who is retiring in 2026.
Blum was considered a more outsider or comeback candidate, whereas Hinson has stronger establishment and leadership support, including an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and House GOP leadership, enhancing her profile as the establishment favorite in the Senate race.