Today, Square One announced its endorsement of Lindsay James for Congress in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, backing a lifelong public servant, faith leader, state legislator, and champion for working families in one of the most important districts in the country.

“As Democrats work to reclaim the House majority and prepare for the high-stakes fight over congressional maps and representation following the 2030 Census, Iowa's 2nd District represents a critical opportunity to flip a Republican-held seat and help shape the balance of power in Congress,” said Tony Vargas, Executive Director of Square One.

Lindsay James has spent her life serving others — her family, her community as a faith leader, and her state as a legislator — and has built a reputation as a trusted advocate and servant leader. Service isn't something she does when it's politically convenient; it's who she is. Whether she's standing up for working families, advocating for people who feel overlooked, or helping a family through life's most difficult moments. 

“Iowans deserve someone who will always be in their corner, not just when an election is around the corner. Lindsay James is that kind of leader, and Square One believes she will bring that same spirit of service to Congress. Square One is proud to support Lindsay because she brings a perspective to public service that is grounded in the everyday experiences of the people she hopes to represent in Congress,” said Tony Vargas. 

"I'm excited to have Square One's endorsement," said Lindsay James. "Washington, D.C. is broken, and if we want to fix it, we must have representatives who look like everyday Americans. As a working mom and ordained chaplain, I'm ready to go to Washington and work with groups like Square One to ensure we give equal opportunity to all Americans, not just the fortunate few."

Iowa's 2nd Congressional District is expected to be one of the most competitive House races in the country in 2026. The district offers Democrats a critical opportunity to expand the battlefield, build lasting political infrastructure in the Midwest, and secure a seat that could prove pivotal in the fight for the House majority. Winning districts like IA-02 will be essential for helping Democrats take back the House in 2026 and shaping the balance of power heading into the next decade of congressional redistricting.

Square One supports and invests in high-potential Democratic women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ candidates running in competitive districts across the country.

Lindsay James joins Square One's growing slate of endorsed challenger candidates for the 2026 cycle, including Christina Hines (MI-10), Denise Powell (NE-02), JoAnna Mendoza (AZ-01), Randy Villegas (CA-22), Rebecca Bennett (NJ-07), Marni von Wilpert (CA-48), Pia Dandiya (FL-22), and Bridget Brink (MI-07).

To learn more about Lindsay James's campaign, visit: https://www.lindsayforiowa.com/

About Square One

Square One seeks out the most promising Democratic women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to run for Congress in long-overlooked districts and states, and provides the high-impact, hands-on support they need to launch, run, and win their groundbreaking campaigns against the odds. Square One has helped elect leaders including Rep. Lauren Underwood, Rep. Lucy McBath, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, and others who are building a more representative democracy and expanding opportunity for communities across the country.