DES MOINES, Iowa (Gray Media Iowa Capitol Bureau) – Friday the long-running Des Moines Register Political Soapbox speeches started at the Iowa State Fair.

Iowa Congressman Zach Nunn is the first to take the stage this year and he’s the only Republican speaking.

Nunn’s speech centered on a range of issues voters say is important to them, and he laid out his “ABCs” that he says Washington needs to learn.

“A being first of all, America First Policy. One that really puts our priorities at the top of the line,” he said.

“B” is for the Border, which Nunn says is the most common issue he hears about when in the District. “We need to be able to protect our nation. That begins with border security. It’s the number one thing I hear about when I got to all 21 counties across the 3rd District,” Nunn said.

“C” stood for community. Nunn referenced his work in the Iowa Legislature to pass tax cuts and said Congress needed to stop spending more than it brings in.

Nunn skipped over “D”, but Economy was next up. Nunn says he’s cut taxes and spending in Congress.

Nunn also touted his bipartisan work and took pride in being named among the top 10 most bipartisan members of Congress.

Nunn didn’t go into much specific detail on his plans should Central Iowa voters send him back to Congress.

Social Security reserves will run out in 11 years if Congress doesn’t act. That means recipients would only get 83% of their full benefits. 50% of seniors get half of their monthly income from Social Security. One in four seniors rely on Social Security for 90% of their monthly income. Nunn said, “We want to make sure that Social Security and Medicare is 100% guaranteed because the folks who’ve paid into it have earned it and they deserve to be able to keep that.”

Nunn also called on the federal government to reduce spending. “We cannot have a situation where the federal government continues to spend more than it actually brings in,” Nunn said.

Nunn says his commitment to the community is that, “We want to make sure that we keep fighting for Iowa in a good way that helps lower taxes and allows you to reinvest in your economy.”

Nunn says he wants to make sure good communities have the opportunity to grow. “Having a secure border, fighting crime, tamping down on human trafficking, and the deadly fentanyl scourge that’s been fighting our area,” Nunn said.

Nunn didn’t take any questions from the audience while on the soapbox.

The number of registered Republicans slightly outnumbers the registered Democrats in the district, however it’s still expected to be a competitive race in the fall. On Monday, Nunn’s Democratic challenger Lanon Baccam will take this same stage and give his speech.

The schedule for speakers at the Iowa State Fair can be found by clicking here.

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Conner Hendricks covers state government and politics for Gray Media-owned stations in Iowa. Email him at conner.hendricks@gray.tv; and follow him on Facebook at Conner Hendricks TV or on X/Twitter @ConnerReports.

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