Zach Nunn

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Zach Nunn
BornZachary Martin Nunn
4 5, 1979
BirthplaceStory City, Iowa, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, U.S. Air Force officer
TitleMember of the U.S. House of Representatives from Iowa's 3rd congressional district
Known forU.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district
Spouse(s)Kelly Nunn
Children6
Website[Official congressional website Official site]

Zachary Martin Nunn (born May 4, 1979) is an American politician and United States Air Force officer serving as the U.S. representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district since January 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Nunn defeated incumbent Democratic Representative Cindy Axne in the 2022 general election in one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country that cycle.[1] Before his election to Congress, Nunn served in the Iowa Senate representing the 15th district from 2019 to 2023 and in the Iowa House of Representatives representing the 30th district from 2015 to 2019.[2] A colonel in the Air Force, Nunn has served in the military since 2004 and is assigned to the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard. He was re-elected to his congressional seat in 2024.[2]

Early Life

Zachary Martin Nunn was born on May 4, 1979, in Story City, a small community in Story County, Iowa.[2] He grew up in central Iowa, a region characterized by its agricultural economy and tight-knit rural communities. Details regarding his parents and upbringing prior to his higher education remain limited in available public records.

Nunn's background in Story City, a town with a population of several thousand residents in the heart of Iowa's farm country, shaped much of his later political focus on rural issues, agriculture, and small-town economic development. His connection to Iowa's rural communities would become a recurring theme throughout his political career, particularly in his advocacy for Iowa farmers and rural healthcare infrastructure.[3]

Career

Military Service

Nunn has served as a United States Air Force officer since 2004. He holds the rank of colonel and is assigned to the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard.[2] His military service has spanned more than two decades and has continued concurrently with his political career. The 132nd Wing is based at Des Moines International Airport and is part of the Iowa Air National Guard. Nunn's long military tenure has been a consistent element of his public identity and political campaigns.

Iowa House of Representatives (2015–2019)

Nunn entered elective politics in 2014 when he ran for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives representing the 30th district. He won the Republican primary that year[4] and went on to win the general election, succeeding Democrat Joe Riding in the seat.[5][2]

Nunn took office on January 12, 2015, and served two terms in the Iowa House. He was re-elected in 2016, winning both the Republican primary[6] and the general election.[7] During his time in the Iowa House, Nunn established himself within the Republican caucus on issues relating to fiscal policy and public safety. His legislative record during this period built the foundation for his subsequent run for the Iowa Senate.[8]

He was succeeded in the Iowa House 30th district seat by Brian Lohse.[2]

Iowa Senate (2019–2023)

In 2018, Nunn ran for the Iowa Senate in the 15th district, seeking to move from the state House to the upper chamber of the Iowa General Assembly. He won the general election that November[9] and succeeded Chaz Allen in the seat, taking office on January 14, 2019.[2][10]

During his tenure in the Iowa Senate, Nunn served on multiple committees and continued to build a legislative record focused on issues including cybersecurity and technology policy. In June 2021, a major ransomware attack on Des Moines-area community colleges drew attention to cybersecurity vulnerabilities, an issue in which Nunn had expressed interest as a legislator.[11]

Nunn served in the Iowa Senate until January 3, 2023, when he departed to take his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was succeeded in the Iowa Senate 15th district by Tony Bisignano.[2]

2022 Congressional Campaign

In July 2021, Nunn announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives to represent Iowa's 3rd congressional district, challenging incumbent Democratic Representative Cindy Axne.[12] Iowa's 3rd district, centered on Des Moines and encompassing much of southwest Iowa, was considered one of the most competitive congressional districts in the nation heading into the 2022 midterm elections.[1]

Nunn faced a competitive Republican primary field. During the primary campaign, candidates in the race expressed frustration with the prosecution of participants in the January 6 Capitol breach, a topic that became a point of discussion among the Republican contenders for the seat.[13] Nunn won the Republican primary on June 7, 2022, securing the party's nomination to face Axne in the general election.[14]

The general election campaign between Nunn and Axne attracted significant national attention and spending from outside groups. Conservative organizations ran advertisements targeting Axne's record,[15] and campaign finance reports showed substantial fundraising activity on both sides of the race.[16] An Iowa Poll conducted in July 2022 indicated that Republicans were favored in Iowa's congressional districts.[17]

Former President Donald Trump endorsed Nunn during the campaign, providing him with an additional boost among Republican voters in the district.[18]

The race also included contentious exchanges over social policy. Axne's campaign ran advertisements targeting Nunn's stance on abortion, characterizing it as a "no exceptions" position. Nunn pushed back against the framing of the advertisement.[19]

Nunn defeated Axne in the November 2022 general election, flipping the seat to Republican control.[2] He took office on January 3, 2023, becoming the representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district in the 118th United States Congress.[2]

U.S. House of Representatives (2023–present)

Nunn assumed office as the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district on January 3, 2023.[2] In Congress, he has focused on a range of issues affecting his constituents in Iowa, including rural healthcare, agriculture, education, consumer protection, and veterans' affairs.

Rural Healthcare

Nunn has been an advocate for protecting rural healthcare infrastructure in Iowa. In February 2026, his office highlighted the importance of rural hospitals, noting that for many small towns in Iowa, the nearest hospital serves as a critical and often singular healthcare resource for communities spread across large geographic areas.[20]

Agriculture

As a representative of a major agricultural district, Nunn has taken positions on issues affecting Iowa farmers. In February 2026, his office raised concerns about regulations originating from California that affect the ability of Iowa pork producers to sell their products in that state's market. Nunn characterized the situation as "California overreach" and advocated for Iowa farmers' ability to bring their products to market without being subject to regulations set by other states.[21]

Education and Tourism

In February 2026, Nunn announced the securing of a $412,500 federal investment to construct a new community education classroom at the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, Iowa. The American Gothic House Center sits beside the house that inspired Grant Wood's iconic painting American Gothic. The funding was intended to expand educational programming and tourism at the site.[22][23]

Consumer Protection

Nunn has drawn attention to the issue of online fraud affecting Iowa residents. In February 2026, his office highlighted the case of a 69-year-old Des Moines retiree who lost $164,000 in life savings to an online scam, using the incident to advocate for stronger consumer protections and financial fraud enforcement.[24]

Historic Preservation and Community Development

In February 2026, Nunn promoted initiatives to preserve Iowa's historic Main Street communities, emphasizing that in small towns across Iowa, history is integrated into the fabric of daily life and local commerce rather than being confined to museums.[25]

Veterans and Military Affairs

Nunn, himself a serving military officer, has paid particular attention to veterans' and military affairs. In February 2026, his office honored Iowa National Guard Staff Sergeants Edgar Torres-Tovar and William "Nate" Howard, who were killed on December 13, 2025, while serving.[26]

Foreign Affairs

In February 2026, following the killing of Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, by Mexican military forces on February 22, 2026, Nunn's office issued guidance to Iowa constituents regarding American safety in Mexico, providing resources for Iowans traveling in or residing in the country.[27]

2024 Re-election

Nunn was re-elected to represent Iowa's 3rd congressional district in the 2024 general election, continuing his service into the 119th United States Congress.[2][28]

2026 Gubernatorial Speculation

Following Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds' announcement that she would not seek re-election, speculation arose that Nunn might run for governor. As of May 2, 2025, Nunn announced that he would not be running for governor, choosing instead to continue serving in Congress.[2]

Personal Life

Nunn resides in Iowa with his wife, Kelly Nunn. The couple has six children.[2] He continues to serve in the United States Air Force as a colonel, assigned to the 132nd Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard, maintaining his military career alongside his congressional duties. His military service began in 2004 and has continued without interruption through his tenure in the Iowa state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives.[2]

Nunn was born and raised in Story City, Iowa, and has maintained deep ties to the state's rural communities throughout his career.

Recognition

Nunn's 2022 victory over incumbent Cindy Axne was one of the more closely followed congressional races of that election cycle, with the contest receiving national media coverage and being characterized by Radio Iowa as one of the "most watched" U.S. House races in the country.[1] His endorsement by former President Donald Trump during the 2022 campaign drew additional national attention to the race.[29]

As a sitting member of Congress who simultaneously holds the rank of colonel in the Air Force, Nunn is among a smaller number of serving military officers in the U.S. House of Representatives, a distinction that has been a notable element of his public profile.

In his congressional work, Nunn has been recognized for securing federal funding for Iowa projects, including the $412,500 investment for the American Gothic House Center in Eldon.[30]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Axne says she's ready for 'most watched' U.S. House race in country".Radio Iowa.2022-06-08.https://www.radioiowa.com/2022/06/08/axne-says-shes-ready-for-most-watched-us-house-race-in-country/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 "Zach Nunn".Ballotpedia.https://ballotpedia.org/Zach_Nunn.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ "Protecting Iowa's Health Care".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-23.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/23/%F0%9F%8F%A5-protecting-iowas-health-care/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ "2014 Primary Election Canvass Summary".Iowa Secretary of State.https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2014/primary/canvsummary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ "2014 General Election Canvass Summary".Iowa Secretary of State.https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2014/general/canvsummary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "2016 Primary Election Canvass Summary".Iowa Secretary of State.https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2016/primary/canvsummary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "2016 General Election Canvass Summary".Iowa Secretary of State.https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2016/general/canvsummary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Questionnaires: Iowa Senate District 16".Des Moines Register.2016-10-31.https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/altoona/2016/10/31/questionnaires-iowa-senate-district-16/93087148/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "2018 General Election Canvass Summary".Iowa Secretary of State.https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/pdf/2018/general/canvsummary.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Legislator Information: Zach Nunn".Iowa Legislature.https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator?ga=88&personID=14803.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Des Moines area community colleges' ransomware attack: lessons".Axios.2021-06-17.https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/17/des-moines-area-community-colleges-ransomware-attack-lessons.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Iowa state Sen. Zach Nunn announces 2022 campaign for Congress against Cindy Axne".Des Moines Register.2021-07-13.https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2021/07/13/iowa-state-senator-sen-zach-nunn-announces-2022-campaign-congress-against-cindy-axne-third-district/7944052002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Iowa Congress 3rd district Republican candidates frustrated with prosecution of Jan. 6 Capitol riot".Des Moines Register.2022-04-27.https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2022/04/27/iowa-congress-3-district-republican-candidates-frustrated-prosecution-jan-6-capitol-riot/7423367001/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "2022 House primary elections June 7".Associated Press.2022-06-07.https://apnews.com/article/2022-house-primary-elections-june-7-6a3829e0d4c39918d9d6fbe35f8ed6c0.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Campaign Almanac: Conservative groups' ads target Rep. Cindy Axne".The Gazette.https://www.thegazette.com/campaigns-elections/campaign-almanac-conservative-groups-ads-target-rep-cindy-axne/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Campaign finance reports show competition in Grassley, Axne races".Ottumwa Courier.https://www.ottumwacourier.com/news/campaign-finance-reports-show-competition-in-grassley-axne-races/article_d5be9866-0875-11ed-abaa-97e9807972b2.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Iowa Poll: House election 2022 — Republicans favored in Democrat congressional districts".Des Moines Register.2022-07-20.https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/iowa-poll/2022/07/20/iowa-poll-house-election-2022-republicans-favored-democrat-congressional-districts/10072584002/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Former President Donald Trump endorses Republican running for Iowa's Third Congressional District".KCCI.https://www.kcci.com/article/former-president-donald-trump-endorses-republican-running-for-iowas-third-congressional-district/40559513.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Nunn pushes back on new Axne ad targeting his 'no exceptions' abortion stance".KCCI.https://www.kcci.com/article/nunn-pushes-back-on-new-axne-ad-targeting-his-no-exceptions-abortion-stance/40874901.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Protecting Iowa's Health Care".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-23.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/23/%F0%9F%8F%A5-protecting-iowas-health-care/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Stopping California Overreach".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-18.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/18/%F0%9F%90%96-stopping-california-overreach/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Nunn Secures Over $400,000 in Federal Investment to Expand Education and Tourism at American Gothic House Center".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-20.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/20/nunn-secures-over-400000-in-federal-investment-to-expand-education-and-tourism-at-american-gothic-house-center/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Southeast Iowa landmark made famous by Grant Wood to expand".Radio Iowa.2026-02-24.https://www.radioiowa.com/2026/02/24/southeast-iowa-landmark-made-famous-by-grant-wood-to-expand/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Following the Money".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-20.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/20/%F0%9F%94%8E-following-the-money/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Building on Iowa's Legacy".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-21.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/21/%F0%9F%8E%A8-building-on-iowas-legacy/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Iowa Heroes. Forever Honored.".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-19.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/19/%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%B8-iowa-heroes-forever-honored/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "American Safety in Mexico: Resources for Iowans".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-22.https://nunn.house.gov/american-safety-in-mexico-resources-for-iowans/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  28. ↑ "Iowa Election Results".Iowa Secretary of State.https://electionresults.iowa.gov/IA/112996/web.285569/#/detail/1600.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  29. ↑ "Former President Donald Trump endorses Republican running for Iowa's Third Congressional District".KCCI.https://www.kcci.com/article/former-president-donald-trump-endorses-republican-running-for-iowas-third-congressional-district/40559513.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  30. ↑ "Nunn Secures Over $400,000 in Federal Investment to Expand Education and Tourism at American Gothic House Center".Office of Congressman Zach Nunn.2026-02-20.https://nunn.house.gov/2026/02/20/nunn-secures-over-400000-in-federal-investment-to-expand-education-and-tourism-at-american-gothic-house-center/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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