Finkenauer wins Democratic nomination to vie against U.S. Rep. Rod Blum

Abby Finkenaur clinches the Democratic nomination to run against incumbent Rep. Rod Blum to represent Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, the northeast area of the state.

June 5, 2018

The dome of the U.S. Capitol building is seen on March 13, 2018. (Gage Miskimen/The Daily Iowan)

Abby Finkenauer clinched the Democratic nomination for a U.S. representative seat on June 5.

She’ll run against incumbent Rep. Rod Blum in Iowa’s 1st District, which comprises nearly 600,000 people and includes Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Waterloo.

At the time of publication, Finkenauer led with 62.48 percent and 18,295 votes with seven of 20 precincts reporting.

The Finkenauer campaign released a statement an hour after polls closed that announced her win.

“I am truly humbled by this victory, and I want to say thank you to the people of eastern Iowa who have put their faith in us to fight for this seat in November,” Finkenauer said in a statement.

Thomas Heckroth followed Finkenauer at 22.12 percent, 6,513 votes.

Finkenauer received endorsements from national figures such as former Vice President Joe Biden and Emily’s List, a national organization that works to elect Democratic women.

A rural Dubuque County native, Finkenauer was elected to represent Dubuque in the Iowa Legislature in 2014.

Other Democratic candidates were George Ramsey and Courtney L. Rowe, who received 7.15 percent and 8.14 percent, respectively.

About the Contributor

Sarah Watson, Executive Editor

(she/her/hers)

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @K_5mydearwatson Sarah Watson is the executive editor at The Daily Iowan. She's in her fourth year at the University of Iowa, studying journalism and political science. Previously, she coordinated election and political coverage as a three-semester politics editor, and has reported on student government and the statehouse. Last spring, she stepped into the role of the DI's managing news editor. She's an advocate for transparent government and is committed to making journalism work better for people of all identities. She also thinks pineapple on pizza is a good idea. Email her for a discussion.