Greetings all. Yes, another Hopium appeal on this final day of the 2nd quarter, another terrific battleground House candidate - State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, running in the Third District in Iowa.
As we discuss Iowa has become one of the most important battleground states in the country this cycle - open and competitive gubernatorial and Senate races, 3 potential House pick ups. In a year where the national battlefield has shifted by at least 7 points, IA-03 has become a prime pick up opportunity. In 2024, Trump won IA-03 by 4 points (Downballot) as did the Republican incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn, 52%-48%, The Cook Partisan Vote Index has IA-03 a +2 GOP district. This is a very winnable seat, and we have a very strong candidate in Sarah Trone Garriott, State Senator, Lutheran Minister, community leader, and a proven flipper of Republican districts in Iowa.
From our wonderful conversation:
Simon:
You know, you’re running this time with the top of the ticket really strong. So it must feel very different than your recent races that you’ve been running in.Senator Garriott:
It is a nice change of pace. I have been able to win in Republican held districts in really tough years for Iowa Democrats, but election night was such a bummer. And it feels very different this time. We’ve got great candidates and we have great energy… we’re helping each other run really good races and people are responding because they need something different… we are new fresh perspectives bringing change.
More from the Senator:
In Iowa, we definitely have a unique set of circumstances that have really shifted things dramatically. And so people are starting to pay attention to Iowa. I’ve had hope in Iowa for years. I know it’s possible to make change and win tough races, but it’s so great to have people throughout the state and all over the country believing it too.
Yes, here at Hopium, we believe! Together we’ve invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Iowa this cycle, and will be there every step of the way until Election Day.
You can support Senator Garriott and our campaign to flip the House in several ways on this critical final day of the second quarter:
You can give to our Winning The House campaign which splits your donation twelve ways, including to Senator Garriott
You can give directly to the Senator
You can head back to this morning’s post and give to any candidate or state party of your choosing:
We need to end strong everyone!
Friends, we raised $69,000 for our courageous and intrepid candidates yesterday, and over $3.5m so far this cycle. It’s so amazing! I am hoping we can beat that $69,000 today and close out this quarter with a real bang.
Thanks to everyone who has been part of this effort these last few days. These candidates are leaving it out there on the playing field for all of us. It is our turn, on this critical day, to be there for them! - Simon
Bio - Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, Democratic Nominee In IA-03
Sarah Trone Garriott has always been called to serve her community, as a minister, a mom, a nonprofit leader, and a State Senator.
Early on, her calling to serve led Sarah to join AmeriCorps, dedicating a year as a VISTA volunteer supporting victims of domestic violence. Her journey continued at Harvard Divinity School, where she deepened her understanding of faith while working at a women’s shelter and a youth-focused nonprofit.
Sarah’s calling to service next led her to hospital chaplaincy, where she supported individuals and families navigating their most challenging moments. This work inspired her to enter ministry, becoming an ordained Lutheran pastor. She first served a congregation in rural Virginia before moving to Iowa in 2013 to lead Faith Lutheran Church in Clive.
Sarah took her ministry out into the world as the Coordinator of Interfaith Engagement for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network. As a nonprofit leader, she champions initiatives addressing food insecurity and fosters collaboration across diverse religious communities.
In 2020, frustrated that her elected leaders weren’t listening to the concerns of her community, Sarah ran for public office. That year, she successfully flipped a Republican-held seat in the Iowa State Senate. In 2022, as a result of redistricting, Sarah moved her family to take on then-Senate President Jake Chapman. She won that seat by 3 points while Gov. Kim Reynolds carried it by 7 points. In 2024, she defended her district even though Trump won it. She is the only Democrat in Iowa to flip multiple districts while representing a district won by Donald Trump.
Throughout her service in the State Senate, Sarah has defined herself as an advocate for working families: championing accessible and affordable healthcare, mental health programs, support for public schools, paid family leave, quality childcare, and reproductive rights. Recognized for her pragmatic leadership, Sarah has continuously demonstrated her ability to unite Iowans across party lines. Her commitment extends beyond policy to genuine community engagement, constantly showing up to listen, support, and act on behalf of her constituents.
Learn more about Sarah here.
