Trump Endorsed
Charlie McClintock
IA-02 Republican nominee?
$9.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationIowa
Show moreShow less
BackgroundIowa State Senator
EducationLiberty University — Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Notable personal detailsCharlie McClintock is a Republican Iowa state senator representing Senate District 42 (Benton and Linn counties). He previously served in the Iowa House of Representatives and worked for decades in public safety and local government roles in eastern Iowa, including a long career with the Cedar Rapids Police Department. He also served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 21 years, retiring as a warrant officer.
SourcesShowHide
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.
Show moreShow less
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.
News
Charlie McClintock is in the news because he is running in the contested Republican primary for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, an open seat created by Ashley Hinson’s Senate run. Recent coverage has focused on the primary race and the issues candidates are talking about, including tariffs, health care, immigration, and the cost of living. The race is part of a broader set of Iowa primaries that could matter for control of Congress.
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
Endorsements
Endorsers of Charlie McClintock for IA-02 Republican nominee?
Donald Trump
Public figure
Donald Trump endorsed Charlie McClintock's primary opponent Joe Mitchell in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District race.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls