Iowa Democrat Jennifer Konfrst suspends congressional campaign

Konfrst endorses Senator Sarah Trone Garriott in 3rd district race

Jan. 27, 2026 at 12:47pm

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Democrat Jennifer Konfrst has suspended her campaign for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District and endorsed Senator Sarah Trone Garriott as the new Democratic frontrunner. Konfrst said her primary mission in running was to bring balance back to the state, and she plans to continue fighting to elect Democrats.

Why it matters

Konfrst's withdrawal from the race leaves Trone Garriott as the sole Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn in a closely watched swing district. Konfrst's endorsement of Trone Garriott is seen as a boost for the senator's campaign.

The details

Konfrst stepped down from her role as Iowa House Minority Leader after the 2025 legislative session to focus on her congressional campaign. She did not mention whether she will run for reelection to her Iowa House seat. Konfrst and Trone Garriott were both vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge Nunn.

  • Konfrst suspended her campaign on January 27, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Konfrst

A Democrat who suspended her campaign for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

Sarah Trone Garriott

An Iowa state senator who is now the Democratic frontrunner in the 3rd district race.

Zach Nunn

The Republican incumbent U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“My primary mission in running for Congress was to bring balance back to the state and I plan to continue to fight to elect Democrats.”

— Jennifer Konfrst

The takeaway

Konfrst's withdrawal from the race leaves Trone Garriott as the sole Democratic challenger to Republican incumbent Zach Nunn in a closely watched swing district, with Konfrst's endorsement seen as a boost for Trone Garriott's campaign.