Fairness for Iowa hosts a watch party for new ads that call Out Rep. Nunn for raising retired Iowans’ costs

Friday evening, Iowans gathered at an art making and ad watch party where Fairness for Iowa highlighted their newest TV and digital ads, calling out Congressman Zach Nunn for supporting tariffs that are raising prices for retired Iowans and working families. 

The ads feature Peter, a retired Iowan who has felt the impact of rising costs and tariffs, which Congressman Nunn voted to support this year. 

The ads are currently airing on broadcast TV, digital, and streaming platforms in the Des Moines market—highlighting how Nunn’s votes are raising prices for Iowans at a time when many are already struggling to make ends meet. They are part of Fairness for Iowa’s ongoing seven-figure ad campaign. 

Peter Rose, the retired Iowan featured in the ads, spoke about his own experience dealing with rising costs. 

“The costs of Medicare, housing, groceries and everyday items are all going up,” Rose said. “There’s trouble all across the board, wages and cost of living increases on Social Security are not keeping up with costs. I’m truly worried about how to make my own budget work and I’m in a much better place than many others who have almost no shot at making it.” 

John Hale, owner and founder of The Hale Group, an organization advocating for older Iowans and those with disabilities, spoke at the event about the impacts of tariffs and higher prices on people living off a fixed-income. 

“It’s no surprise that the cost of living is right up near the top when older Iowans discuss their concerns with us,” Hale said. “Many are frustrated with the billionaires making decisions that impact everyone. They, unlike ordinary people, don’t adjust the thermostat at night, use public transportation or anything else to save a few dollars, and they are given massive tax breaks while the rest of us are balancing tight budgets. Affordability is a real issue and it’s a top area of concern for many Iowans.”