Lindsay James Triumphs Over Joe Mitchell: Republicans’ Disastrous Energy Policy Cost Them Election

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA— Tonight, Democrat Lindsay James defeated Republican Joe Mitchell in a historic victory for the people of Iowa. By electing James to Congress, Iowans made their disapproval of Republicans’ energy and pollution policies known: from the war in Iran that is driving up gas and diesel prices, to the clean energy cuts and data centers with no guardrails that drive up utility bills, to a water quality crisis that is contributing to the second-highest cancer rate in the country. A CNN poll shows 74% of likely Iowa voters say Trump administration policies have increased the cost of living, with 70% saying current gas prices are a moderate to severe hardship, and 55% saying tariffs are a bad thing for Iowa.

Time and time again, Mitchell cheered on Republican policies that blocked the path to cheaper, faster, cleaner energy, and now Iowa families and businesses are paying for it three times over — at the pump, on their utility bills, and through the data centers and big corporations polluting their communities. James will tackle corporate greed, put guardrails on utility bill-raising, polluting data centers, and lower utility costs by investing in affordable clean energy.

When answering a question about how she will help relieve Iowans from rising gas prices, James said it best herself, “We need to end the war in Iran. That’s first and foremost, and that’s going to offer immediate relief. And then Iowa has been…top in the nation for a number of years in renewable energy, and decreasing our…dependence on fossil fuels will help us…when it comes to being able to have energy costs that are much lower.” 

“The people of Iowa deserve leaders who are looking out for us and ensuring that we can afford to fill our gas tank and keep our lights on, and that we have access to safe, clean drinking water. That’s why they elected Lindsay James,” said Climate Power’s Western Hub Senior Director Tiffany Hsieh. “Joe Mitchell and his fellow Republicans rubber-stamped Trump’s agenda at every turn, and now they’re paying the price. Iowans need relief from skyrocketing costs, and Lindsay James will work to bring down costs for Iowans, not enrich oil and gas billionaires and corporate polluters.” 

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