2024 U.S. House Election: Iowa’s 1st Congressional District

In the 2024 U.S. House general election, Republican incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks narrowly defeated Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. This district encompasses southeastern Iowa, including cities like Iowa City and Davenport.

2024 United States House of Representatives Elections in Iowa

The 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Iowa were held on November 5, 2024. All four of Iowa’s congressional districts elected representatives. These elections coincided with the U.S. presidential election, other House races, Senate contests, and various state and local elections. The primaries took place on June 4, 2024.

In Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks faced Democrat Christina Bohannan in a rematch of their 2022 race. The election was extremely close. Miller-Meeks was initially declared the winner, and a recount certified her victory on November 27, 2024. She secured 206,955 votes (49.98%) while Bohannan received 206,157 votes (49.79%). This district includes cities such as Davenport and Iowa City and remains a competitive swing area.

Across Iowa, Republicans maintained control of all four U.S. House seats. The GOP received 904,563 votes statewide (56.20%), while Democrats garnered 696,033 votes (43.24%). These results reflect the state’s ongoing Republican-leaning trend in federal elections, despite competitive contests in districts like the 1st.

The 2024 elections highlighted the importance of voter engagement and turnout in close races. Each district’s results underscore the influence of national issues and local dynamics on congressional contests, reinforcing Iowa’s reputation as a politically significant state in federal elections.

Candidates

• Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican): Serving her second term, Miller-Meeks previously won the 2020 election by a margin of just six votes. In 2022, she secured re-election with 53.4% of the vote. Her campaign emphasized fiscal responsibility, border security, and healthcare reform.
• Christina Bohannan (Democrat): A former state representative and law professor at the University of Iowa, Bohannan focused on issues like reproductive rights, climate change, and healthcare access. She previously challenged Miller-Meeks in 2022, losing by approximately 20,000 votes.

Candidates for Iowa House District 1 – 2024

Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican)

Incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks sought re-election to Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in 2024. She first won the seat in a highly competitive 2020 race by just six votes and was re-elected in 2022 with 53.4% of the vote. Miller-Meeks’ campaign focused on fiscal responsibility, border security, and healthcare reform. During the 2024 election, she faced a rematch against Christina Bohannan and ultimately won 206,955 votes (50.1%) after a recount.

Her support came from a mix of rural and suburban counties, with particularly strong margins in Henry and Cedar counties. Miller-Meeks is endorsed by organizations such as AIPAC, Americans for Prosperity, the NRA Political Victory Fund, and Maggie’s List. She emphasized a conservative legislative agenda and continued representation for her southeastern Iowa constituents.

Christina Bohannan (Democrat)

Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan is a former state representative and law professor at the University of Iowa. She previously ran against Miller-Meeks in 2022 and returned in 2024 to focus on reproductive rights, climate change, and healthcare access. Bohannan received 206,156 votes (49.9%), narrowly losing the race after a recount confirmed Miller-Meeks’ victory.

Her campaign received support from organizations like EMILY’s List, Everytown for Gun Safety, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Iowa AFL-CIO, reflecting her alignment with progressive and labor-focused initiatives. Bohannan’s message resonated most in urban counties such as Johnson County, home to Iowa City, emphasizing policies that appeal to younger and more diverse voters.

Nicholas Gluba (Libertarian)

Nicholas Gluba, representing the Libertarian Party, brought a unique perspective to the race. A former Marine and current city council member in Lone Tree, Gluba highlighted anti-war policies, opposition to eminent domain abuses, and federal government reform as his core issues. He criticized both major parties for increasing executive power and called for a return to the original system of checks and balances.

Professionally, Gluba works as a production lead at a Whirlpool warehouse and as a chef at the Price Creek Event Center, emphasizing his blue-collar background. While he did not achieve significant vote totals, his candidacy represented an alternative for voters seeking solutions outside the two-party system.

These three candidates together showcased the diverse political landscape of Iowa’s 1st District in 2024, from conservative incumbency to progressive advocacy and Libertarian reform efforts. Each brought distinct priorities, reflecting the district’s combination of urban and rural voters and making the race one of the closest and most watched in the state.

Election Overview

The 2024 race was a rematch of the 2022 election and was considered one of the most competitive congressional races in the country. Both candidates campaigned vigorously, with increased outside spending and national attention. Bohannan raised more funds than Miller-Meeks in several reporting periods leading up to the election.

A Tight Race with a Narrow Margin

The election results were exceptionally close, with Miller-Meeks narrowly defeating Bohannan by a margin of just 798 votes. This slim lead prompted Bohannan to request a recount, which was conducted across all 20 counties in the district. Despite the recount, the final vote totals remained unchanged, confirming Miller-Meeks’ victory.

National Implications

Iowa’s 1st District was considered a pivotal battleground in the 2024 election cycle. With the U.S. House of Representatives under Republican control, every seat held significant weight. The tight contest in this district underscored the national significance of local races and their potential to influence the overall legislative landscape.

Voter Engagement and Turnout

The narrow margin of victory highlighted the importance of voter engagement and turnout. Both campaigns emphasized the impact of every single vote, encouraging constituents to participate actively in the democratic process. The high level of competition and the close results reflected a deeply engaged electorate in the district.

Vote Count Progress in Iowa House District 1, 2024

The vote count progress in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District during the 2024 general election was closely watched due to the extremely narrow margin between the candidates. As election night unfolded, early returns showed both Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat Christina Bohannan trading leads across different counties.

In Cedar County, Miller-Meeks initially held a strong lead with 57.1% of reported votes, while in Clinton County, the race was tighter at 53.6% to 46.4%. As more precincts reported, Des Moines County results showed a close 51.5% to 48.5% edge for Miller-Meeks, keeping the outcome uncertain.

The total vote count gradually approached the final numbers of 206,955 for Miller-Meeks and 206,156 for Bohannan, with each update highlighting how every precinct and late-reporting ballots could affect the final result. The slow, incremental reporting kept both campaigns and voters on edge until the recount officially confirmed Miller-Meeks’ victory.

Election Results

The Associated Press initially reported a narrow lead for Miller-Meeks, but Bohannan requested a recount due to the close margin. After the recount, the final results confirmed Miller-Meeks’ victory by fewer than 1,000 votes. She was re-elected to serve a third term in Congress.

Iowa House District 1 General Election Results 2024

The 2024 Iowa House District 1 general election was a closely contested race between incumbent Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democrat Christina Bohannan. Miller-Meeks narrowly won re-election with 206,955 votes (50.1%), while Bohannan received 206,156 votes (49.9%) out of a total of 413,111 votes cast. The slim margin highlights the competitiveness of this southeastern Iowa district, which includes cities like Davenport and Iowa City.

County-level results show varying support across the district. In Cedar County, Miller-Meeks led with 57.1% of the vote. In Clinton County, she received 53.6%, while in Des Moines County, she captured 51.5%. The strongest showing was in Henry County, where Miller-Meeks earned 63.1%, compared to Bohannan’s 36.9%. These results reflect the district’s mixed political landscape and underscore the importance of local voter engagement in determining election outcomes.

Significance of US House Iowa District 1 General Election, 2024

This election highlighted the district’s status as a swing area, with both parties vying for control. Miller-Meeks’ re-election contributed to the Republican Party’s majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The race underscored the importance of voter turnout and the impact of national issues on local elections.

For more detailed information on the election results and candidate profiles, visit the official Iowa Secretary of State website or Ballotpedia’s Iowa 1st Congressional District page.

Editorial Opinion: Reflections on Iowa House District 1, 2024

Going into the 2024 general election, many political analysts expected a tight race in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. Polls and political forecasts suggested a near-even split between Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan, with Miller-Meeks slightly favored due to her incumbency and strong rural support. As the votes were counted, the results confirmed these expectations—Miller-Meeks won by a razor-thin margin of 799 votes, a number so close it prompted a recount.

From following this race closely, it became clear that voter turnout in urban areas like Johnson County and suburban precincts played a decisive role. Bohannan’s support in urban centers narrowed the gap significantly, but Miller-Meeks’ strong performance in rural counties such as Henry and Cedar ultimately secured her victory. Another notable factor was campaign organization and messaging, particularly the ability of Miller-Meeks to consolidate her base around issues like fiscal responsibility and healthcare reform, while Bohannan energized progressive voters on reproductive rights and climate policy.

The election also revealed a broader insight: Iowa’s 1st District remains a true swing district, where even a few hundred votes can determine the outcome. This race highlighted the importance of every single vote, the impact of local issues on national-level elections, and the growing influence of grassroots mobilization and targeted outreach. In the end, while the result aligned with pre-election expectations, the narrow margin served as a reminder of the district’s competitiveness and the dynamic nature of modern electoral politics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Iowa’s 1st Congressional District 2024 U.S. House Election

Who won the 2024 Iowa House District 1 election?

Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks narrowly won re-election with 206,955 votes (50.1%), defeating Democrat Christina Bohannan, who received 206,156 votes (49.9%).

How close was the 2024 election in Iowa’s 1st District?

The election was extremely close, with Miller-Meeks winning by just 799 votes. A recount was conducted to confirm the results.

Who were the candidates in Iowa House District 1 in 2024?

The main candidates were:
– Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, Incumbent)
– Christina Bohannan (Democrat)
– Nicholas Gluba (Libertarian)

What were the key issues in the 2024 Iowa District 1 race?

Key issues included healthcare, reproductive rights, climate change, fiscal responsibility, border security, and government reform.

Did any third-party candidates run in Iowa District 1?

Yes, Libertarian Nicholas Gluba ran in the election, focusing on anti-war policies, eminent domain reform, and federal government restructuring.

Which counties were decisive in the 2024 Iowa House District 1 election?

Miller-Meeks performed strongest in Henry and Cedar counties, while Bohannan saw her best results in urban areas like Johnson County.

Why was a recount needed in Iowa District 1?

The recount was requested due to the very narrow margin between Miller-Meeks and Bohannan, ensuring that all votes were accurately counted.

How does Iowa’s 1st District usually vote?

Iowa’s 1st District is considered a swing district, with both Republican and Democratic candidates historically competing closely in federal elections.

Author Bio – Ana Milojevik

Ana Milojevik is a political journalist and content writer specializing in U.S. elections and government affairs. With a focus on providing clear, insightful analysis, she covers federal, state, and local races across the country.

Ana has a background in political science and journalism, combining thorough research with accessible reporting to help readers understand complex electoral processes. She is passionate about civic engagement and strives to make election coverage informative, accurate, and engaging for all audiences.