Gen Z Republican With Trump Ties Launches Bid To Be Youngest Member Of Congress

Joe Mitchell, a former Trump administration official, state lawmaker and founder of a nonprofit that recruits young conservatives to run for office, announced his campaign for an open Iowa U.S. House seat Monday.

Mitchell, 28, is running in a contested primary in Iowa’s 2nd congressional district to succeed Republican Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson who is running for Senate. He would be the first Gen Z Republican elected to Congress if he wins his bid for the GOP-leaning northeast Iowa seat. (RELATED: Republicans Quickly Unify Around Ashley Hinson’s Senate Run To Succeed Retiring Joni Ernst)

“I’m running for Congress because too many Iowans have been left behind by a broken political system that works for insiders and lobbyists, not for us,” Mitchell said in a statement. “For too long, politicians in Washington have wasted our tax dollars and cut backroom deals while working families pay the price.”

“I’ll work with President Trump to end reckless spending, secure our borders, protect our farmers, and build an economy where hard work pays again,” Mitchell continued. “It’s time to take power back from the insiders and return it to the people of Iowa — where it belongs.”

I build houses, nonprofits, and support President Trump. Now I am running for Congress in #IA02 to keep this critical seat RED! Learn more about our campaign and share our America First message with your friends & family. https://t.co/xcEf3FflJK pic.twitter.com/9Cs8evhJfx

— Joe Mitchell (@joemitchelliowa) September 8, 2025

Mitchell’s campaign announcement touted his support for Trump’s agenda and America First policies. His campaign could also take a special interest in housing given Mitchell’s background in housing policy and real estate development.

Mitchell served as a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regional director for the Great Plains region and as chief of staff to the Federal Housing Finance Agency in the second Trump administration prior to launching his campaign. He also owns an Iowa-based real estate development company and has previously served as president and chairman of the Iowa Real Estate Developers Association.

Previously, Mitchell served in the Iowa House of Representatives for two terms from 2019 to 2023. He was elected to the chamber at the age of 21, becoming its youngest member in history.

Though Republicans are still the favorite to hold the 2nd district in 2026, Democrats are likely to make a play for the open House seat. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, House Democrats’ campaign arm, targeted Hinson’s district in April as one of 26 pickup opportunities during the midterms.

Republican Iowa State Sen. Charlie McClintock has also entered the GOP primary to succeed Hinson.

Mitchell is also the former president and founder of the national nonprofit organization, Run GenZ, which helps young conservatives run for state and local government. The group counts more than 130 elected officials across the country as members of its coalition.

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