DES MOINES, IA — Today, the Cook Political Report’s latest race ratings underscore what Iowans across the Third District are already seeing on the ground: Sarah Trone Garriott’s campaign is building the momentum to defeat Zach Nunn and flip IA-03.
The shift from “Lean Republican” to “Toss Up” reflects Sarah’s unique strength as a candidate: a proven winner who has flipped tough Republican-held seats, built broad coalitions across the district, and earned the trust of voters who are tired of politics-as-usual.
The rating change follows a recent Change Research poll showing Sarah Trone Garriott leading Zach Nunn 53%–40%—the strongest performance of any Democrat tested against Nunn.
Sarah’s strength is also reflected in the campaign’s fundraising: nearly $1.4 million raised in 2025, with $845,000 cash on hand heading into 2026, which is the most for a challenger in the history of IA-03 heading into the election year.
“Everywhere I go, I hear the same thing: Iowans are sick of politicians like Zach Nunn, whose broken promises and bad votes have raised the costs of healthcare, groceries, and utilities,” said Sarah Trone Garriott. “Iowans are ready for a change because they know I’ll always fight to lower costs, protect their rights, and put working families, not special interests, first.”
About Sarah Trone Garriott:
Sarah Trone Garriott has always been called to serve her community as a minister, a mom, a nonprofit leader, and a State Senator. She began her career in AmeriCorps, supporting survivors of domestic violence before going on to serve as a hospital chaplain, pastor, and interfaith leader, tackling food insecurity in central Iowa. In 2020, Sarah flipped a Republican-held seat in the Iowa Senate, and in 2022, she defeated the sitting Senate President in a district that Republican Governor Kim Reynolds won by 7 points. She is the only Democrat in Iowa to flip multiple districts while representing a district won by Donald Trump. In the legislature, Sarah has led on issues that matter to working families—lowering costs, reproductive rights, public education, healthcare, and childcare. Now, she’s running for Congress to ensure Iowans have the strong, principled leadership they deserve in Washington.
For more information about Sarah Trone Garriott’s campaign, visit www.sarahforiowa.com.
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