Charlie McClintock
Republican candidate for U.S. House in Iowa
IA-02 Republican nominee?
$9.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — IA-02 Republican nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
2.9%chance to win
$9.6KJUN 9, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationIowa
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BackgroundIowa state senator
EducationB.S., Criminal Justice Administration, University of Phoenix
Notable personal detailsCharlie McClintock is an Iowa Republican politician who has served in the Iowa Senate (District 42) since January 2023, after serving one term in the Iowa House (District 95). He is a retired warrant officer of the Iowa Army National Guard and has worked in law enforcement and public safety communications, including as 911 manager for the Cedar Rapids Police Department. In 2026 he ran for U.S. House in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District and lost the Republican primary to Joe Mitchell.
SourcesShowHide
Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
The candidate emphasizes fiscal responsibility and responsible spending of tax dollars and has sponsored legislation that increases property tax relief for veterans and converts a senior homestead exemption into a tax credit. His public campaign materials frame his approach as lowering or reforming taxes for specific constituencies rather than expanding taxes or redistribution programs.
Healthcare
Charlie McClintock has supported legislation to extend and expand Medicaid work requirements in Iowa and has served on health-related appropriations committees as a state legislator. His voting record includes a recorded yea vote on SF 615, a 2025 bill that extends and increases work-hour requirements for certain Medicaid recipients.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate supported state-level legislation that criminalizes illegal reentry and increases penalties and enforcement tools, indicating a preference for stronger border and immigration enforcement measures while not advocating explicitly for maximalist deportation or asylum bans.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports significant restrictions on abortion access and voted in favor of Iowa legislation that bans most abortions once cardiac activity is detected (around six weeks). Has a legislative record of supporting limits on abortion rights and backing constitutional measures to remove or restrict abortion protections.
Climate & Energy
Charlie McClintock introduced a state Senate bill to ban “geoengineering” and other weather‑altering activities (including cloud seeding) and described the measure as addressing constituents’ concerns about weather‑altering methods. His campaign website lists general support for Iowa agriculture and energy interests but does not set out comprehensive statewide climate or energy policy positions.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has opposed recent measures that would expand firearms access in Iowa, including lowering the minimum age to possess and carry handguns and allowing school staff to be armed. His votes indicate reluctance to broaden carrying permissions and support for maintaining stricter limits on who may carry in sensitive settings like schools.
Latest News
Charlie McClintock is in the news as a Republican candidate in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District primary, where he is competing with Joe Mitchell for the open seat. Recent coverage has focused on the primary race and the issues candidates are talking about, including tariffs, affordability, health care, immigration, and the cost of living. The district is being watched closely because it could help shape control of narrowly divided U.S. chambers.
Iowa Democrats to settle a tense Senate primary as the party looks to flip GOP seats this fall
Donald Trump endorses Joe Mitchell for Congress in Iowa's 2nd District
Iowa 2nd Congressional District candidates discuss tariffs, high costs
Get to know Iowa's primary candidates before you vote
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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