IA-02 Republican nominee?
$9.6K
JUN 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleIowa state senator
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
LocationIowa
BackgroundIowa state senator
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EducationBusiness administration degree, Drake University
Notable personal detailsCharlie McClintock is an American politician and public safety professional from Alburnett, Iowa. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives (2021–2022) and later was elected to the Iowa Senate (District 42), taking office in January 2023. He previously worked with the Cedar Rapids Police Department and has served in the Iowa Army National Guard. In 2025, he launched a campaign for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District (IA-02) in the 2026 cycle.
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.
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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.
News
Charlie McClintock is running in the Republican primary for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District against Joe Mitchell. Donald Trump has endorsed Mitchell for the nomination, adding a high-profile boost to McClintock’s primary opponent. The endorsement also builds on Mitchell’s existing support from other Republican leaders and organizations.
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
- Endorsements