Rep. Zach Nunn Ignores Rising Costs and Medicaid Cuts at the Iowa State Fair

Nunn Dodges Iowans at State Fair, Heads to Closed-Door Fundraiser Instead

DES MOINES, Iowa — After Rep. Zach Nunn spoke at the Iowa State Fair today, Iowans sought answers about his votes on tariffs, rising gas prices from the Iran war, and Medicaid cuts driving the affordability crisis facing families across the state. Instead of sticking around to speak with fair-goers, Nunn left for a closed fundraiser featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

“I'm disappointed that Rep. Nunn used this as an opportunity to take photos and attend a fundraiser rather than talk to the constituents he's been avoiding his entire term.” said Matt Chapmann, Des Moines resident and long-time fair-goer.

Nunn has repeatedly supported policies that have made life harder for Iowa families, including the Republican Tax Law that cut Medicaid while delivering massive tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. He also continues to back tariffs and Trump’s costly war that have driven up prices for Iowa families, farmers, and small businesses. His votes have contributed to struggling hospitals and dwindling health care access at a time when Iowans are already struggling to afford basic necessities.

“If ignoring the affordability crisis doesn’t scream out-of-touch, I don’t know what does,” said Mazie Stilwell, Executive Director of Progress Iowa. “Iowans deserve answers from Zach Nunn. These are not myths: our clinics are closing, the cost of coverage is up, the price of gas is up. Everything costs more, yet Nunn voted to give tax breaks to billionaires instead of protecting access to health care and lower prices.”

Nunn’s appearance at the State Fair comes as Iowans pay more for gas, groceries, and health coverage while watching local access to care disappear. Nunn voted to gut Medicaid, backed tariffs that raise the price of everyday goods, supported Trump’s war in Iran that has hurt farmers and driven up gas prices, and allowed the enhanced ACA tax credits to expire at the end of 2025. Iowans are paying the price for those choices, and when they asked Nunn about them at the State Fair, he chose to walk away.