Nurse from Dubuque County Pursuing Election for Second Congressional District
In the political landscape of Iowa, a retired Army nurse and former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College, Kathryn Dolter, has declared her candidacy for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2026 second district Congressional race. The 67-year-old veteran, who served 23 years in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel, plans to officially announce her campaign soon following her filing of a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on July 8, 2025.
Dolter's campaign is distinct in the second district, as she is the only active Democratic candidate following the end of Kevin Techau's campaign in June. Her focus is centred on issues concerning the health, safety, and economic welfare of Iowans, with particular emphasis on healthcare accessibility, rural hospital funding, Medicaid, and maternal health issues. She highlights the impact of Medicaid cuts on hospitals and nursing homes, especially in rural areas, and advocates for the need to help "flip the House to stop the Republican machine."
However, Iowa GOP chairman Jeff Kaufmann characterizes Dolter as a far-left political activist, while describing Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson as an America-first proven leader. It remains to be seen how Dolter's campaign will fare against Hinson, but her extensive experience in nursing education, service in the military, and dedication to improving healthcare for military members, veterans, and their families may prove to be valuable assets.
Dolter currently resides on the west side of Dubuque in the town of Asbury, and in addition to her work in nursing education, she serves on the Dubuque County Board of Health. She also developed clinical practice guidelines for the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs to improve health care quality for military members, veterans, and their families. Dolter is currently serving as a coordinator and advisor to the nursing program at Mount Mercy University.
This article is courtesy of Radio Iowa.
[1] "Kathryn Dolter files for 2026 2nd District Congressional race" - Radio Iowa, July 8, 2025. [2] "Kathryn Dolter announces 2026 2nd District Congressional campaign" - The Gazette, July 9, 2025. [3] "Retired Army nurse Kathryn Dolter announces campaign for 2nd District Congressional seat" - The Des Moines Register, July 10, 2025. [4] "Kathryn Dolter: A retired Army nurse and former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College" - The Dubuque Telegraph Herald, July 11, 2025. [5] "Kathryn Dolter: A voice for Iowans' health, safety, and economic welfare" - The Quad-City Times, July 12, 2025.
- In a move that has stirred interest within the local community, Kathryn Dolter, a retired Army nurse and former dean of nursing at Kirkwood Community College, has officially joined the race for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2026 second district Congressional race, as confirmed by Radio Iowa.
- with a focus on health, safety, and economic welfare issues, including healthcare accessibility, rural hospital funding, Medicaid, and maternal health issues, Dolter has distinguished herself as the only active Democratic candidate in the second district since Kevin Techau's campaign ended in June.
- Aside from her nursing education background and extensive military service, Dolter's advocacy for improving healthcare for military members, veterans, and their families has led to the development of clinical practice guidelines for the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
- As the nation grapples with policy-and-legislation concerning war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, Dolter's campaign platform aims to address the Republican-led Medicaid cuts' impact on hospitals and nursing homes, particularly in rural areas, and advocate for measures to "flip the House to stop the Republican machine."
- Follow the latest updates on this race and other political news in Iowa by tuning into stations such as Radio Iowa, The Gazette, The Des Moines Register, The Dubuque Telegraph Herald, and The Quad-City Times.
