Iowa political candidates campaign at tailgates before Cy-Hawk game

IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Several Iowa political candidates took their campaigns to tailgates Saturday ahead of the Cy-Hawk game in Iowa City.

Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks hosted her sixth annual “Triple M” tailgate. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek spent time outside Kinnick Stadium talking with voters.

“Triple M” tailgate

Miller-Meeks is seeking her third term in Congress, representing Iowa’s First District. She is running against Democrat Christina Bohanan.

Her tailgate drew Republican supporters including Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn.

Miller-Meeks said she is focused on fighting for health care, the economy and government accountability.

“I am not for the Chinese communist party buying Iowa farmland, I am not for boys in girls sports, I am not for boys in girls locker rooms and I am not for members of congress trading stock,” Miller-Meeks said.

Turek tailgate

Across town, Democrat Josh Turek held his own tailgate outside Kinnick. He is running for the open U.S. Senate seat against Republican Ashley Hinson.

Turek spoke with voters about the rising cost of living and health care.

“Young people are telling me that they are worried that the American dream is not going to exist for them. They’re worried that they’re never going to be able to afford child care or a home, or their health care. This is what I’m running for,” Turek said.

His campaign platform includes lowering the cost of housing, child care and health care, along with raising wages.

The November 3 election is one of several that will help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.