Boone Hotel Manager Launches Grassroots Bid for Congress

A grassroots campaign has emerged in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District as Guy Morgan, a 33-year-old hotel manager from Boone, formally announced his candidacy for the open U.S. House seat. Morgan, a Democrat, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission and has begun engaging with voters through county Democratic Party meetings and his campaign website, voteforyourguy.com. Although he does not reside in the district, he emphasizes his strong connection to it, highlighting his family roots and education in Iowa.

Morgan aims to address the growing political extremism he perceives in both major parties. He describes his campaign as an “ambitious town hall campaign,” committing to spend five to six days a week traveling across the district to meet constituents. The congressional seat became available after Republican Ashley Hinson announced her intention to run for the U.S. Senate, succeeding Senator Joni Ernst, who will not seek reelection.

Several other Democrats have already declared their candidacies for the seat, positioning Morgan in a competitive race. He identifies as a progressive Democrat, driven in part by personal tragedy—the loss of his father during the COVID-19 pandemic to what Morgan describes as a descent into far-right extremism. This experience has motivated him to combat political polarization and misinformation, which he believes are detrimental to society.

Morgan’s platform focuses on uniting Iowans around critical issues such as clean water, fair wages, and affordable education. He expresses strong opposition to proposed spending cuts to Medicaid and public health programs, which he argues disproportionately affect low-income and rural residents. He has also criticized the federal government’s aggressive deportation policies and highlighted Iowa’s pressing environmental concerns, particularly the quality of its waterways and rising cancer rates linked to agricultural runoff.

“Iowa’s waterways are in crisis,” Morgan stated, underscoring the need for accountability for corporations that harm the environment. He advocates for tougher penalties beyond mere fines for those responsible for pollution. Additionally, he champions the expansion of union power and access to education, viewing these as essential pathways to economic stability for working families.

As of late September, Morgan’s campaign reported raising approximately $2,400, a modest sum compared to more established Democratic contenders. He believes his grassroots approach and community involvement—volunteering regularly at local events such as Pride festivals and party fundraisers—will distinguish his campaign from others.

The Iowa primary election is scheduled for June 2, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026. In the broader political landscape, the Democratic National Committee has launched an advertising campaign targeting Republican representatives in Iowa, accusing them of supporting policies that harm local farmers. This campaign highlights the adverse effects of trade wars initiated by former President Donald Trump on Iowa’s agricultural sector, which has faced challenges due to tariffs and market access issues.

As the election season progresses, Morgan’s campaign will likely become a focal point for discussions surrounding Democratic priorities in Iowa and the broader implications of national political dynamics on local issues.