Iowa Democrats say Polk County is \

Polk County is “ground zero” for Iowa Democrats to make gains in 2024, the party’s leaders told supporters at their annual steak fry Saturday in Des Moines, as they criticized both Donald Trump and local Republicans alike.

A series of speakers — elected officials, activists and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — railed against U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, state senators and representatives as they rallied in preparation for what they hope is a bounce-back election cycle.

“You, Polk County Democrats, are the wind beneath our wings,” Senate President Pam Jochum said. “This is where the rubber meets the road.”

Several races were top of mind for attendees: challenging Nunn, who narrowly defeated Cindy Axne to flip the seat to Republican control and does not yet have a declared challenger; taking on state Sen. Brad Zaun; and several other local and state offices that Democrats see as attainable if the party properly organizes.

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst, ticking off those priorities, hit Republicans for their support of school vouchers, banning gender-affirming care for kids and restricting abortion — policies that were met with boos from the crowd at Water Works Park.

“We’re going to send them home,” Konfrst said, calling the Republican supermajority “minions” to Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Polk County is ground zero for flipping the Iowa House.”

And Democratic leaders criticized Nunn and Iowa’s three other Republican representatives as negotiated within their caucus to avoid a government shutdown.

Saturday afternoon, the House had agreed on a 45-day temporary funding solution as Congress continues to negotiate the details of a permanent budget. The Senate must still approve the plan to keep the government open.

Konfrst called the shutdown a “Trump shutdown” in a news conference, accusing Republicans of doing the bidding of the former president.

“What are you doing to lead? Instead, you’re following Donald Trump and MAGA extremists when Iowans need you to stand up and lead,” Konfrst said. “They could lead right now, and instead they’re following Donald Trump. Is that what Iowans want? We know it’s not.”

Galen Bacharier covers politics for the Register. Reach him at gbacharier@registermedia.com or (573) 219-7440, and follow him on Twitter @galenbacharier.