Sheriffs Back Miller-Meeks in Iowa 1st District Race
Thirteen of 20 sheriffs in Iowa's 1st Congressional District have endorsed Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, while two others backed Democrat Christina Bohannan.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Thirteen of 20 sheriffs in Iowa's 1st Congressional District endorsed Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks, with the endorsements announced Oct. 6. Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel and former Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber endorsed Democrat Christina Bohannan.
Why it matters
Sheriff endorsements signal how law enforcement leaders view candidates' positions on public safety and immigration. The split reflects broader debate over policing and federal immigration enforcement funding in the district.
Thirteen of 20 district sheriffs have publicly endorsed Miller-Meeks, and Kunkel declined to comment on the Bohannan endorsement. The remaining sheriffs' positions have not been reported.
The players
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
Republican U.S. Representative for Iowa's 1st Congressional District, seeking reelection and endorsed by thirteen sheriffs.
Christina Bohannan
Democratic candidate challenging Miller-Meeks in Iowa's 1st Congressional District, endorsed by Johnson County Sheriff Brad Kunkel and former Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber.
Brad Kunkel
Johnson County Sheriff who publicly endorsed Democrat Christina Bohannan and released an endorsement video.
The details
Kunkel released an endorsement video for Bohannan, while Cedar County Sheriff Warren Wethington endorsed Miller-Meeks, citing fiscal and vocational support for law enforcement and immigration as key issues. Miller-Meeks' campaign cited Bohannan's 2021 votes against SF 342, "Back the Blue," which included increased penalties for certain protest-related conduct.
Timeline
June 2026: Miller-Meeks voted to approve a federal funding package including $70 billion for immigration enforcement and border security over three years.
Oct. 6: Thirteen sheriffs announced their endorsement of Miller-Meeks.
Oct. 20: Bohannan and Miller-Meeks debated, with Bohannan addressing ICE and costs.
2021: Bohannan twice voted against SF 342, "Back the Blue."
Legal Context
The endorsements revisit the 2021 "Back the Blue" debate in the Iowa Legislature, where SF 342 introduced increased penalties for certain protest-related conduct. The split among sheriffs now plays out in a federal race over immigration and border enforcement funding.
Voters in Iowa's 1st District will weigh sheriff endorsements alongside candidates' positions on public safety and immigration when they vote. Residents in counties with smaller law enforcement applicant pools, such as Cedar County, may see these issues feature prominently in local debate.
The takeaway
Sheriff endorsements can offer insight into how local law enforcement leaders weigh candidates' positions on public safety, but voters should also review each candidate's record directly. Comparing votes on bills like SF 342 can clarify where candidates stand.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Law Enforcement for context on how sheriffs are shaping Iowa's political races.
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