Third District Congressman Zach Nunn, a Republican, and Democratic challenger Sarah Trone Garriott met at KCCI-TV studios in Des Moines for what was described as their only debate before the November election.
The candidates discussed transgender policies, the war involving Iran, leadership at the U.S. Department of Defense and the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
During the debate, Nunn criticized Trone Garriott’s voting record on transgender issues during her time in the Iowa Senate. He argued that her positions did not adequately protect girls in sports and locker rooms. Nunn also referenced comments by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek, who has publicly opposed males competing in female sports in a campaign advertisement.
Trone Garriott defended her approach, saying parents should have a role in decisions affecting their children’s safety and fairness. She said parents are familiar with their children’s circumstances and can help inform decisions affecting their communities.
The candidates also disagreed over U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the administration’s handling of the conflict involving Iran.
Trone Garriott criticized Nunn for hosting Hegseth at a campaign fundraiser over the summer. She said that, if elected, she would join a bipartisan effort to remove Hegseth from his position. Trone Garriott also criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict, citing concerns about leadership, planning and the lack of a clear end to the war.
Nunn said he initially supported the administration while peace negotiations were underway. He explained that he later voted to withdraw President Donald Trump’s authority to continue the war after circumstances changed. Nunn said his concerns included the need for a plan addressing U.S. service members and the country’s involvement in the conflict with Iran.
Both candidates agreed that Iran should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The debate also addressed the release of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Trone Garriott criticized Nunn’s timeline for supporting the release of the records, arguing that he delayed action before voting in November 2025 to make the documents public.
Nunn said he opposed earlier proposals because he was concerned they could result in the public disclosure of Epstein’s victims’ names.
The debate gave voters an opportunity to hear the candidates’ positions on national security, social policy and government transparency ahead of the November election.
