DCCC Statement on Lindsay James’ Debate Victory Against Lobbyist Joe Mitchell

“Iowans saw a clear contrast tonight: political insider and lobbyist Joe Mitchell who rigged the system for himself and the special interests, versus mom and chaplain Lindsay James who took on the broken system and fought to make life better for Iowans. Lindsay proved again tonight that she will fight to deliver the change Iowans deserve – lowering the cost of living, protecting health care, standing up to Washington corruption, and delivering tax relief for the middle class. Mitchell proved again he is hoping to go to Washington to get even richer while sticking Iowans with the bill.”

REMINDER OF JOE MITCHELL’S RECORD:

• Joe Mitchell entered the revolving door after leaving office. He worked for a “multi-client lobbying firm” and “founded a lobby group for Iowa real estate developers” as he “built a lobbying operation.”
• Mitchell used his positions to enrich himself. He voted to grow a tax credit that his real estate empire later cashed in on, collecting over $2.5 million in tax credits. Mitchell also took a million in tax credits that he used to build a development including his own home.
• Mitchell is so out of touch he said it’s “debatable” that costs are rising.
• Mitchell backs the bill gutting health care for 25,100 people in IA-02, hiking premiums for 26,000 people, and forcing layoffs and health care clinic closures across IA-02, including clinics in Traer and Mason City.
• Mitchell backs Trump’s reckless tariffs that are raising costs of groceries and everyday goods while hurting farmers, closing markets, and increasing input costs.
• Mitchell backs the Iran War, even as Iowa service members were killed and Iowans are footing the bill for higher gas and diesel prices and billions of dollars sent overseas.
• Mitchell spent nearly $90,000 partying at Mar-a-Lago, “top[ping] that of any other Republican running for Congress this cycle.”