Iowa's rising cancer rates become key issue in midterms

Zach Nunn: Zach Nunn is a Republican US Congressman representing Iowa's third congressional district. In the ongoing midterm campaign, he has emphasized his efforts to secure more funding for cancer screening in his district while highlighting personal family experiences with the disease during public appearances at the Iowa State Fair. Josh Turek: Josh Turek is a Democrat running for US Senate in Iowa. He has used campaign remarks to criticize Republican support for federal policy changes affecting healthcare access while tying the issue to the state's cancer and healthcare challenges. Jackie Cale: Jackie Cale is government relations director for the Iowa chapter of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. She has noted increased voter engagement on cancer issues and the complex factors involved, including questions around water quality. Aaron Lehman: Aaron Lehman is president of the Iowa Farmers Union. He has addressed rural Iowans' concerns about possible connections between cancer, water contamination, and pesticide use, advocating for expanded options to reduce agricultural runoff. Kim Reynolds: Kim Reynolds is the outgoing Republican Governor of Iowa. In 2025 she commissioned a state study examining factors behind Iowa's rising cancer rates, involving the Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa. Ashley Hinson: Ashley Hinson is a Republican US Congresswoman representing Iowa's second congressional district. She has promoted her legislative work on mobile cancer screening access in rural areas and conservation efforts to improve water quality during the midterm campaign. Kerri Johannsen: Kerri Johannsen is Senior Director of Policy and Programs for the Iowa Environmental Council. She has spoken at events launching the Protect Water Prevent Cancer campaign, a coalition effort addressing potential environmental links to cancer in the state. Christina Bohannan: Christina Bohannan is a Democratic candidate running in Iowa's first congressional district. She has discussed cancer concerns with voters during campaign tours, focusing on water quality issues and their potential role in rising cases. Sarah Trone Garriott: Sarah Trone Garriott is a Democratic state Senator and challenger in Iowa's third congressional district race. She has addressed Iowa's cancer challenges in campaign events, noting the disease's impact on families and communities across the state. Policy Responses: Candidates have outlined plans ranging from expanded cancer screening and treatment access to conservation measures and federal research investment, with differing emphases between parties on healthcare programs and regulation. Water Quality Focus: Voters and candidates are connecting concerns about nitrate pollution in Iowa's waterways to potential cancer risks, prompting discussions on agricultural runoff and monitoring during the election cycle. Cancer as Midterm Issue: Iowa's rising cancer rates have emerged as a prominent bipartisan campaign topic in competitive races for Congress and governor, with candidates across parties addressing screening, research, and environmental factors.