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US Olympian and other fencers file class-action lawsuit against USA Fencing for alleged trans athlete incident
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FIRST ON FOX: U.S. Olympic fencer Margherita Guzzi Vincenti, alongside fellow competitive women’s fencers Emma Griffin and Patricia Hughes, have filed a class-action lawsuit against USA Fencing over an alleged incident at the 2025 North American Cup (NAC) in Kansas City, Missouri, in January.
Vincenti, Griffin and Hughes alleged USA Fencing knowingly permitted biological males to compete in women’s divisions while advertising events as female-only, including in competitions involving athletes under the age of 18.
“Because Defendant USFA’s youth and cadet policy authorized self-identification ‘without restriction’ and lacked any verification mechanism, biological males under 16 were permitted, and could have been expected, to compete in the women’s event,” the lawsuit alleged.
Margherita Guzzi Vincenti poses for a portrait during team USA Fencing media day at New York Athletic Club on May 21, 2024 in New York City. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“Defendant USFA also does not disclose to members or participants whether transgender or non-binary athletes are entered in a given event, leaving female athletes and parents unable to make informed participation decisions.”
The lawsuit also alleged the organization did not enforce its own previous policy of only allowing males to compete in the women’s category after completing one year of testosterone-suppression treatment.
“On information and belief, Defendant USFA never implemented any system to monitor or verify compliance with this requirement. In practice, this lack of oversight allowed biological males to register for and compete in women’s events regardless of whether they had completed any hormone-suppression treatment,” the lawsuit alleges.
USA Fencing provided a statement to Fox News Digital responding to the lawsuit.
“USA Fencing is aware of the class‑action complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri on Oct. 29, and we strongly dispute its allegations. We will address this matter through the legal process and have no further comment at this time,” the statement read.
Guzzi, who competed for the Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, said she joined the lawsuit to protect the integrity of her sport.
“Fencing has been my life since I was a child,” she said. “I have trained and competed with the expectation that women’s competitions are for women. It is about fairness and preserving opportunities for girls and women who dedicate their lives to competing on equal terms.”
Hughes, a veteran with 20 years of experience, expressed similar concern.
“I have seen women’s fencing grow from a niche sport to one where female athletes can thrive internationally,” Hughes said. “That progress only continues if fairness is enforced. The next generation of girls deserves the same level playing field that inspired us decades ago.”
WHO IS STEPHANIE TURNER? WOMEN’S FENCER WHO KNELT TO PROTEST TRANS OPPONENT AND IGNITED GLOBAL AWARENESS
Griffin, a standout NCAA competitor, said young athletes deserve honesty and clarity from national governing bodies.
“We pay entry fees, travel across the country, and commit years to training,” Griffin said. “We deserve to know the rules and trust that women’s events are truly women’s events. It is about respect for athletes and transparency from the organizations that govern our sport.”
The suit argues that USA Fencing is an educational institution subject to Title IX, and therefore violated it by allowing males to compete in the girls’ and women’s category.
The suit seeks to argue this by alleging the organization listed itself as an educational service organization twice in 2020 and 2021 on its applications for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan during the COVID-19 pandemic, and because the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) receives direct federal funding, including taxpayer-derived appropriations, PPP forgivable loans, and funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The plaintiffs are being represented by Mahdavi, Bacon, Halfhill & Young PLLC and The Dhillon Law Group.
“Title IX was enacted to ensure equal athletic opportunities for women,” said attorney Karin Sweigart of The Dhillon Law Group, “Our clients are not asking for special treatment, only for the fairness and integrity that women’s sports have long promised.”
Attorney Charles Wang of Mahdavi Bacon and pro bono general counsel of Fair Fencing Organization said, “By allowing biological men to compete in a women’s event, USA Fencing violated Title IX by depriving women of their own sport that women had fought for over one hundred years to have.”
Attorney James Bacon added, “this case is about restoring trust, transparency, and compliance with federal law.”
Former USA Fencing board chair Damien Lehfeldt is also listed as a defendant. Fox News Digital has reached out to Lehfeldt for comment.
Lehfeldt was replaced as chair last weekend after he chose not to seek re-election.
In Lehfeldt’s announcement that he would not seek re-election, he cited “lawsuits” and “death threats” as a reason for his decision. Lehfeldt has been at the center of controversy for USA Fencing dating back to April when women’s fencer Stephanie Turner went viral for kneeling in protest of a transgender fencer, and was disqualified.
The incident prompted a federal subpoena of Lehfeldt to a congressional hearing to explain the organization’s policy on transgender athletes. Then, former Olympic coach and board member Andrey Geva and former Olympic fencer Abdel Salem sued Lehfeldt for allegedly making “false statements” at the hearing.
USA Fencing then changed its transgender participation policy in July to only permit female competitors to participate in the women’s category. The change was made to ensure compliance with the USOPC’s new athlete safety policy, which now cites President Donald Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order.
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These real estate transactions, recorded the weeks of May 11 and May 18, are compiled from information on file with Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. They represent sales of $78,000 or more.
PEORIA COUNTY
726 W. Corrington Ave., Peoria: David Schroff to Aaron M. Niebuhr, $79,900.
2601 W. Willowlake Drive, #36, Peoria: Arlene K. Raymer to Richard D. Cordis, $80,000.
125 SW Jefferson Ave., W4C, Peoria: Main Street Associates to Lisa Becker, $80,000.
1525 E. Hendryx Lane, Peoria: Scott E. Hall to Christine M. Paluska, $89,900.
218 W. Elm St., Chillicothe: Wilma L. McCord and Tena K. Shane to Aaron Martin and Rhiannon Cluff, $90,000.
1620 N. Wisconsin Ave., Peoria: Mary R. Lahue and Lyall L. Suttong to Oscar Davila and David Davila Duenas, $90,000.
2310 W. Heading Ave., West Peoria: Cyrus A. Taylor and Aimee C. Hood to Anthony L. and Holly M. Catencamp, $99,000.
4444 N. Knoxville Ave., #308, Peoria: Donna Utzinger to Timothy Funk, $100,000.
315 E. Elmhurst Ave., Peoria: Nathaniel C. and Kayleigh M. Bratton to Rae Richards, $111,000.
2306 W. Laura Ave., West Peoria: Aaron Dawson to Karin L. and Tatum M. Kellum, $116,000.
412 W. Ash St., Elmwood: Brian and Kristina Windish to Raven N. Koeppel, $117,450.
2112 W. Ayres Ave., West Peoria: Bryan Christianson and Rose Mary Garcia Ramirez to Joshua Smith, $120,000.
5008 N. Best St., Peoria Heights: Donald F. Harris to Max D. Rutschke, $124,900.
1701 W. Thames Drive, Peoria: Saleh Alarami Sr. and Nawa Aladawi to Omar Musaitif, $125,000.
5208 S. Cameron Lane, Mapleton: Clair E. Jr. and Easter L. Phillips to GLM Real Estate Holdings LLC Series Seven, $125,000.
3516 W. Richwoods Blvd., #10, Peoria: Carren White to Alyssa Athamnah, $126,900.
2928 N. Renwood Ave., Peoria: Richard A. and Mary J. Gebhardt to Amanda L. Miles, $129,500.
5511 W. Dirksen Parkway, Peoria: John C. Defreitas to Tyrone and Jennifer Redd, $130,000.
1026 E. Richwoods Blvd., Peoria: Matthew Jaja to Joshua D. Woodman, $132,000.
5002 N. Glen Elm Drive, Peoria Heights: John 14 Six Real Estate Investments LLC to Anja Olsen, $133,000.
804 W. Maywood Ave., Peoria: Gary and Jessica Olson to Michelle Stephenson, $134,000.
503 W. Main St., Elmwood: Michael L. and Debra A. Uryasz to Mark Schwartz, $135,000.
605 S. Parkhill Drive, Chillicothe: Chance and Brooke Burkle to Daniel and Lindsey Griffith, $135,000.
2115 E. Riverview Court, Peoria Heights: Curtis Von Behren and Lynette Mahieu to Laura Sherman, $136,000.
319 E. Calhoun St., Brimfield: Deborah and Larry E. Blackburn to Drayke Stahl, $147,000.
4900 N. Knoxville Ave., #111A, Peoria: Gabriel I. Chapman to James H. and Debra S. Rada, $150,000.
3900 N. Stable Court, #210, Peoria: Steve D. Penninger and Dawn Chung Penninger to Kara J. Woerner, $150,000.
5613 N. Mar Vista Drive, Peoria: Shelley Ingram and Tara and Mary Mehlenbeck to Evan Ackerman and Grace Streitmatter, $153,000.
5913 S. Madison St., Bartonville: Brian J. Monge to Matthew Eisenhower and Shannon Huddleston, $155,000.
7113 S. Depot St., Bartonville: Chris O’Niell Inc. to Joseph Bell and Abbey J. Mendez, $157,784.
1827 W. Winnebago Drive, Peoria: Debra Fore to Alexis Seltveit, $159,000.
5626 W. Plank Road, Peoria: Anupama Uddavolu and Nandika Gogineni to Chirta Sabapathy and Subbareddy Kanagasabapathy, $160,000.
300 N. Stanley Drive, Chillicothe: Barbara J. and Timothy Harris to Benjamin S. and Sarah A. Errion, $160,000.
4542 N. Thornhill Drive, Peoria: Meredith Baldwin to Mercedes Baldwin, $160,000.
4811 W. Redbud Drive, Peoria: Michele L. Mooney to Kenneth W. Hanks, $161,000.
5626 N. Montello Drive, Peoria: Alonso R. Prado to Ryan and Kara Burmeier, $165,000.
11801 W. Route 150, Brimfield: Samuel L. and Juliene J. Hoerr to MJ MH Properties LLC, $165,000.
125 SW Jefferson Ave., #W-6A and #W6B-1, Peoria: AMG Real Properties LLC VI to William L. Hurt, $174,900.
2401 W. Sherman Ave., West Peoria: Patsy D. Bowers to Justin Kuhlman and Marissa R. Miller, $176,000.
3823 N. Saymore Lane, Peoria: Diane M. Roecker, Beth A. Van Dusen, Mark E. and Gary V. Hohulin and Jill M. Martini to Walter and Denise Wiebe, $177,500.
16212 N. Admiral Drive, Chillicothe: Chase E. and Melissa L. Farmer to Sebastian and Lizbeth White, $179,900.
2715 S. Tiara Strip, Peoria: Charles D. and Marian S. Hertz to Sandra Graack, $180,000.
2817 N. Harper Terrace, Peoria: Jonathan L. and Sandra D. Schafer to Rosario and Sergio Ibarra, $184,900.
1249 N. Fifth St., Chillicothe: Alice A. Guttensohn and Cynthia L. McCully to Connor McGann, $184,900.
514 W. Timber Ridge Drive, Peoria: Leslie D. Moe Kaiser to Donna Utzinger, $185,500.
1806 W. Glen Ave., Peoria: Dylan Gronset to Jacob Welch, $186,000.
3902 N. Melcosta Drive, Peoria: Arius Hounwanou and Gracia N. Matenda to Kamden M. Damrow, $187,000.
2115 W. Jubilee Lane, Dunlap: Susan K. Begner and Hayley Wilson, $190,000.
3217 N. Twelve Oaks Drive, Peoria: Patrick and Kathy Risen to Dario H. Magana, $190,000.
12202 N. Riverview Road, Chillicothe: Robert E. and Joanne E. Young to Kevin Hollingsworth, $193,200.
1817 W. Bel Aire Ave., Peoria: Lamicka Hoover to Assan Colley to Zadie Payne, $195,000.
209 W. Northland Ave., Peoria: Christopher S. and Denise A. Hanley to Meagan Hanley, $195,000.
123 SW Jefferson Ave., #E17A-B, Peoria: AMG Real Properties LLC VI to William L. Hurt, $197,500.
1110 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria: Amy C. Panek to Preston Brawner and Joan E. Schon, $200,000.
7802 N. University St., Peoria: Wayne2 LLC to Ham Estate University Inc., $200,000.
1446 N. Fourth St., Chillicothe: Jesse and Kaylee Burford to Carter Williamson and Marshal Pruitt, $210,000.
4501 W. Legion Hall Road, Dunlap: Gerald H. Dixon and Pamela A. McCollister to Kosta and Erika L. Demetreas, $212,000.
304 N. Magnolia St., Elmwood: Tammi K. and Andrew Barnes to Kristine Joseph, $212,000.
1210 N. Elmwood Ave., Peoria: Aroosa Khan to Ethan and Audrey Griffith, $215,000.
4321 N. Nelson Drive, Peoria: Alexander M. and Jacquelyn C. Eddlemon to Joseph D. McGrew, $215,000.
5029 W. Juniper Court, Peoria: Andrew J. Jr. and Becky A. Moore to Jeffrey P. and Rebecca J. Cappello, $217,000.
2820 W. Huntington Drive, Peoria: Anthony and Angela Hill to David J. Teggelaar, $219,900.
5019 N. Edgebrook Drive, Peoria: Shay and Hannah Morgan to Kyle and Brooke A. Berst, $224,500.
105 N. Louise St., Chillicothe: Tyler Halvorson and Michaela Grant to Rafael M. Ochoa, $225,000.
5200 N. Knoxville Ave., #107N, Peoria: Uma Shetty to Debra J. McGlothlen, $225,000.
6925 N. Patricia Lane, Peoria: Jeff Cohen to Kenton and Maria Burnham, $229,270.
949 NE Glen Oak Ave., Peoria: Olivia P. Leon to Jonah and Olivia Kramer, $232,500.
1419 W. Moss Ave., Peoria: Brian L. and Sarah Gruber to Benton and Sadie Morris, $245,000.
406 W. Lawndale Ave., Peoria: Constance R. Weaver to Dennis and Olivia Thornton, $245,000.
303 E. Lyndale Road, Peoria: Suzanne Salrin to Cheryle A. Duffy Lehrer, $250,000.
6434 N. Robinwood Drive, Peoria: Peggy A. Drain to Daniel C. King, $260,000.
6315 N. Post Oak Road, Peoria: Daryl and Laura Carlson to Christopher Whitley and Kimberly Boggess, $274,000.
6126 S. Navajo Drive, Peoria: Chad M. and Stacie L. Breedlove to Jason and Leslie Meeks, $280,000.
13022 N. Crater Lane, Dunlap: Alec Wagenbach to Conner R. and Sierra R. Wieland, $285,000.
9156 N. Timber Lane, Peoria: Noriko Smith to Matthew Jaja, $285,600.
3725 W. Eagle Point Drive, Peoria: Renate B. Fitzgerald to Ajayi F. Fimihan, $289,900.
2810 W. Willowlake Drive, #A3, Peoria: Scott T. and Josephine L. Barrows to Donald Doss and Stacey Willingham Doss, $295,000.
116 N. Magnolia St., Elmwood: Robert E. Shoop to 116 Magnolia Place LLC, $300,000.
9310 N. Frye Road, Peoria: Sorin M. and Monica Calugar to Matthew and Stella Wolf, $315,000.
7320 W. Akron Road, Princeville: Kevin and Michelle Hardesty to John and Betty Perring, $352,000.
9913 W. Guinivere Drive, Mapleton: Brian Osmulski to Guinivere Properties LLC, $359,000.
6906 N. Fox Point Drive, Peoria: James C. and Jill L. Kreid to Kyle A. and Haley A. Freiburger, $360,000.
5209 N. Prospect Road, Peoria Heights: Wendell D. and Marilyn J. Cox to Constance R. Weaver, $372,500.
5220 S. Acre Road, Mapleton: Lawrence E. Jr. and Catherine A. Thomason to James P. and Laura L. Tessem, $400,000.
1520 W. Harborway Drive, Chillicothe: Matthew C. and Jennifer L. Denny to Chase and Melissa Farmer, $400,000.
13815 N. Wild Spruce Lane, Chillicothe: Darren and Denise Conklin to Heather N. and Joshua S. Benway, $410,000.
7014 N. Bradford Place, Peoria: Jeffrey D. and Nicole M. Stahl to Shawn and Melissa Harrison, $460,000.
4501 W. Legion Hall Road, Dunlap: Kosta and Erika L. Demetreas to Ethan R. Martin, $460,000.
3925 W. Crimson Road, Dunlap: Sadia B. and Shams B. Ilahi to Subhani M. and Shamimoon B. Shaik, $470,000.
2716 W. Woods Edge Drive, Peoria: Mandalay Partners LLC to Tammie S. and Nicole D. Turner, $499,500.
11913 W. Sweetbriar Lane, Brimfield: Mark A. and Shawn L. Phelps to Alejandro and Mackenzie Ibarra, $500,000.
9517 W. Whittingham Point, Mapleton: Andrew D. and Dianna Mullins to Allison L. Eckert, $515,000.
6526 N. St. Marys Road, Peoria: Ryan A. and Jennifer L. Miller to Ranier J. and Elizabeth Estigoy, $575,000.
5401 W. Stonebridge Court, Peoria: Bradley W. and Nancy J. Dunham to Jerry and Joe A. Bell, $575,000.
11308 N. Hickory Woods Court, Dunlap: Michael A. Weber to William Hurst and Jennifer Williams Hurst, $575,000.
9711 N. Cherrybark Court, Peoria: Andrew and Amanda Chambers to Caleb and Erin Strader, $580,000.
3000 W. Saddle Creek Drive, Dunlap: Michael A. Smith and Alyssa L. Alvarado to Cody M. Sevcik and Ashley Schlapper Sevcik, $678,500.
11819 N. Deerfield Drive, Dunlap: Blake P. and Tamara L. Olt to Sam K. Mach and Phung L. Thai, $700,000.
8700 N. Allen Road, Peoria: Vonachen Enterprises LLC to TCIF Allen Road Peoria LLC, $4,015,000.
TAZEWELL COUNTY
Parcel Number 17-17-23-300-005, Tazewell County: Richard J. Smith to Amanda J. and Christopher P. Aeschliman, $80,000.
12245 Sunset Drive, Manito: David R. Good to Dawson King, $87,000.
729 N. Main St., Creve Coeur: Garron Systems Inc. to Kenneth C. Spirling, $89,901.
1005 Irene St., Pekin: Ashlei and Dylan Bowen to Susan Hutchinson, $95,000.
102 Coriell St., Green Valley: Joslyn Livengood to Carl R. Pettijohn Sr., $104,000.
108 S. Church St., Green Valley: Stephen J. Wilkin to Joshua A. Milby, $105,000.
320 Derby St., Pekin: First Pekin Savings Bank to Michael T. Combs, $105,000.
915 Lincoln Road, Marquette Heights: Micah Bouillon to Matthew Moland and Auna Plunk, $112,000.
107 N. Verry St., Armington: Dorthy L. Stanley to Chad W. and Sophie G. Barth, $115,000.
Parcel Number 17-17-23-300-005, Tazewell County: Richard J. Smith to Lori A. and Michael D. Strnad, $120,000.
130 Sun Valley Court, East Peoria: DRD Ventures LLC to Patricia L. Jackson, $125,000.
3500 Bloomington Road, East Peoria: Brian and Brayden Beckman to Rachel Brandt, $130,000.
110 Yates Road, Marquette Heights: Alicia M. and Ismael M. Ponce to Rebecca S. Louis, $130,000.
102 Moushon Drive, East Peoria: Breanne R. Frye and Timothy and Tricia Gardner to Claire V. Schmitt, $135,000.
332 S. Carol Ave., Morton: Peoria Heights Properties LLC to Jennifer L. and Kendrick O. Arvin, $139,900.
417 Wagner St., Washington: Oak Tree Ventures LLC 1112G A B 417W 302C Protected Series to Lena Steiner, $140,000.
305 Midway St., Pekin: Christopher L. Forbis to Zachary M. Cooney, $142,000.
914 Henrietta St., Pekin: Karen J. and Thomas J. Sego to Gannon and Mikeala Gardner, $142,500.
108 Turnron Place, East Peoria: Betty J. Bridges to Melvin Robertson, $143,000.
516 Carola St., Creve Coeur: Amanda and Robert Stasz to Kacy Catton, $143,000.
105 Loren St., Washington: Angela K. Irwin to Connor Pichon, $145,000.
Parcel Number 23-23-07-200-006, Tazewell County: Richard A. Litwiller to Kenneth E. Litwiller, $146,000.
400 Coventry Lane, Mackinaw: Nicole Schlueter to Carol A. Guernsey, $150,000.
113 Grant St., Washington: Bruce E. Wood to Thompson Cody, $155,000.
120 Douglas, Marquette Heights: Amanda and Matthew Tisdale to David J. Lange, $155,500.
101 W. 8th St., Delavan: Darcy R. Cruz to Drew Dixon, $160,000.
1515 Chestnut St., Pekin: Ryan Swanson to Daniel and Teresa Botkin, $160,000.
411 Woodland St., Pekin: Violet M. and Walter Sweet to Margarito Gloria, $160,000.
913 Springfield Road, East Peoria: Riki Kettwich to Boston T. Eaton and Jenna Lentz, $162,500.
700 W. Jefferson St., Morton: Hillcrest Dental Laboratory Inc. to Angie and Shannon Powers, $165,000.
109 Berry Road, Marquette Heights: Clark O. and Michelle Vandegraft to Nicholas J. and Sabrina M. Frank, $168,300.
408 Camelot Drive, Washington: Jerry L. and Michael E. Boles and Amy R. Cranford to Mehradad Elyaderani, $169,900.
904 Coolidge Ave., Pekin: Cory T. Pfanz to Emma C. Ladage and Joshua Messenger, $178,000.
2841 Allentown Road, Pekin: Anita F. Wood to Caleb Walsh, $180,000.
Parcel Number 22-22-12-400-002, Tazewell County: Sally J. Griffith, Cindy S. Lawhorne, Rebecca A. Meissner and Patricia A. Springer to Abby R. and Wade M. Springer, $184,000.
306 E. Madison St., Mackinaw: Daniel Cottingham and Jill L. Dunham to Nathan T. Proctor, $185,000.
204 Hemlock St., Pekin: Judith A. and Merle A. Northrup to Shannon Harmon and Clay Wilcox, $187,500.
203 Meadowlark Lane, Washington: Carolyn L. and David L. Williamson to Tyler Wehrli, $190,000.
902 Saint Julian St., Pekin: McCall Rafferty to Lyle J. Bright and Ashlyn Covey, $195,000.
208 Madison St., Hopedale: James D. Polson to Catherine Birkey, $200,000.
13931 2nd St., Pekin: Charles McGlothlin Jr. to David A. and Kristin L. Daniels, $204,990.
4 James Court, Minier: Martha Cornwell to Marcelo Vargas Jr., $205,000.
504 E. Adams St., Morton: Ashley A. and Clinton M. Mathewson to Austin M. Schroeder, $205,000.
504 Hope St., Washington: Jesse P. Hoffman to Braden Staker and Emma Walton, $205,000.
19294 Springfield Road, Groveland: Lesley and Robert Albright III to Wesley Schaefer, $205,000.
306 Parkway Lane, Pekin: Nicholas M. Sangalli to Kelli Leonard, $205,100.
116 Gottlieb Court, Creve Coeur: Laura J. Franklin to Susan Engstrom, $210,000.
125 Division St., East Peoria: Andrew L. and Emily C. Zimmerman to Nathan A. Kloter, $210,000.
1905 Highwood Ave., Pekin: Christine A. Tuzil to Ellen C. Tuzil, $210,000.
1823 Highwood Ave., Pekin: Kyle Hedman and Laura S. Mitchell Hedman to Clarice Collins, $212,500.
26342 Litwiller Road, Delavan: Delmar L. and Ruthie E. Martin to Laura K. and Roland L. Martin, $220,000.
112 Bondurant St., Washington: Amy Morgan to Heather L. McCormick and Gary W. and Susan E. Sweet, $225,000.
2233 Autumn Drive, Pekin: Chelsee and Derick J. Leibel to Kailey A. and Keaton J. Rice, $225,000.
1 Millard Court, Minier: Joan and Larry Jerome to Teresa and William Washburn, $225,000.
1919 Sierra Court, Pekin: Micah Bouillon to Andrew Hopper and Annalee Johanson, $230,000.
119 Putnam St., East Peoria, 701 S. Main St., Morton, and 129 Reutter Court, East Peoria: Cheryl K. and Jerry W. Majors to Joshua M. and Lindsay A. Majors, $233,500.
604 Pleasant Hill Road, East Peoria: Jessica Watson to Brayden L. and Olivia G. Blunier, $235,000.
523 N. Main St., Morton: Chris Owen to Matthew Miller, $240,000.
300 Daniel Parkway, Washington: Joshua and Starr Barrett to Cody and Samantha Smock, $240,000.
44 Brooke Circle, Morton: Austen Wood to Michelle L. Harrison, $249,000.
210 Vernon Drive, Hopedale: Elizabeth K. and Everett M. Hilgert to Danielle and Jason Garber, $260,000.
104 Revere Drive, East Peoria: Charles L. and Debra S. Hartwell to Sue E. Clark and James Reames, $265,000.
310 Hillcrest Drive, Washington: Terri and Timothy E. Wiese to McKayla and Miles Bannister, $270,600.
112 Heatherview Drive, East Peoria: Patricia and Scott Laird to Patsy Bowers and Katrina Johnson, $289,000.
638 Mickel Parkway, Washington: Aaron T. Kurth to Douglas and Judith Scheirer, $295,000.
Parcel Numbers 11-11-32-100-018 and 11-11-32-100-026, Tazewell County: Joshua K. and Laura M. Lohnes to Heather M. and Nathan A. Gray, $299,000.
1802 Golfview Lane, Pekin: Carolyn and Stephen T. Stagg to Arlene J. Meyer, $300,000.
528 Cottonwood Circle, East Peoria: Drake and Roxanne Heinhorst to Linda Jenkins, $340,000.
414 Harbor Pointe Drive, East Peoria: Carolyn L. Johnson to Jam M. Riddle, $350,000.
1501 Gingoteague Way, Pekin: David A. and Kristin L. Daniels to Abigail Robertson and Adam Weed, $350,000.
400 S. Missouri Ave., Morton: Justin P. and Mary E. McCollum to Morgan Nichols, $355,000.
Parcel Number 12-12-03-100-001, Tazewell County: Irene E. Kaiser and Lisa K. Quigley to Marilyn K. and Martin D. Hohulin Jr., $360,000.
2110 Highwood Ave., Pekin: Arlene J. Heine to Clair O. and Lonna L. Anderson, $399,900.
76 Hickory Ridge Court, Morton: Laura A. and Mark A. Messner to Andrew and Laura Steiner, $400,000.
1400 Westminster Drive, Washington: Silvia L. Rodriguez and Omar A. Perez Vega to Codi R. and Patrick B. Conway, $415,000.
25401 Longview Road, Hopedale: Deeann L. and Kyle D. Sands to Brady and Christina Whitaker, $430,000.
1115 Tottenham Court, Washington: Greg and Wanda L. Passini to Casey and Zachery Morgenstern, $450,000.
121 Woodcrest Ave., Morton: Catherine A. and William P. Streeter to Lesley A. and Robert L. Albright III, $450,000.
209 Pinehurst Lane, Washington: Dennis II and Tonya J. Dooland to Brian and Mary Cagle, $525,000.
601 Brendalyn Drive, Mackinaw: Larry and Linda Young to Brian and Katherine Maloy, $535,273.
5 Old Farm Lane, Washington: James G. and Laura L. Cotner to Jason and Maggie Burrow, $615,000.
13535 Baer Road, Tremont: New Horizons Properties LLC Series Baer to James and Pearl Bult, $650,000.
WOODFORD COUNTY
307 W. Lincoln St., Metamora: Renee Slone to Thomas and Kerry Brock, $110,000.
706 N. State St., Roanoke: Sherry West to Logan Entringer, $115,000.
1152 N. Upper Skyline Drive, East Peoria: Susan K. Pierce to M4 Properties LLC and Derek Tipsword, $125,000.
207 N. Adams St., Washburn: Hayden Noble to Monica Jones, $128,000.
1635 N. Tremont St., East Peoria: Big Bobs Hunting LLC to Jerhamie Dykes, $140,000.
528 W. 5th St., Minonk: Elliott and Jerica Johnson to Dylan M. Palmore, $155,000.
1202 Arthur Lane, Metamora: Robert G. and Jean M. Campen to Willam and Katelyn Guth, $271,000.
1004 Thornberry Lane, Germantown Hills: Michael and Veronica Axelson to Dominic and Katherine Axelson, $306,600.
102 Wildflower Ave., Metamora: Josh and Breayn Klausing to Allison Trostle and Benjamin Connor, $315,000.
235 E. Surrey Lane, East Peoria: Tara and Mary Mehlenbeck to Zachary and Jessica Coltrin, $345,000.
208 Karagen Circle, Germantown Hills: Marcus B. Whitfield to Jordan and Mallorie Cruse, $358,000.
833 Stonelake Drive, Metamora: Kyle Rich and Jennifer Main to Adam and Heidi Brumbaugh, $391,297.
905 Stonelake Drive, Metamora: Travis and Tondalaya Brainard to Tyler and Kiara R. Deatherage, $405,000.
1317 Cedarlake Drive, Metamora: Tammie and Nicole Turner to Kevin Mathew and Ashika Shabu, $431,000.
6 Maple Drive, Goodfield: Marjory J. Kuntz to Justin and Bonni Fehr, $450,000.
Parcel Numbers 08-26-200-012 and 08-23-400-021, Woodford County: David B. Streid to Worth Walnut Creek LLC, $1,200,000.
The resort area of southwest Michigan along Lake Michigan is wildly popular with Chicagoans in summer and fall for good reason. The coastal stretch offers sophisticated dining and shops, breweries, wineries, beaches, sunsets on Lake Michigan and a vacation vibe wherever you go.
If you haven’t been in a couple of years, you’ll find Indiana’s coast, home of the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park, is worth more than a hiking or gas-station stop.
Though the towns along the lake are small and don’t have centers of commerce, many exciting new places have sprung up on U.S. Route 12, the scenic drive that skirts the lake’s edge.
Beverly Shores and Michigan City, Ind.
Miles from Chicago: 54
Sadly, the orange Studebaker that for years served up excellent wood-fired pizza is no longer parked in Beverly Shores, a small lake community famous for its collection of historic homes from the 1933-34 Chicago World’s Fair. The only way to get a South Shore Ovenworks pie now is to reserve the food truck for a private event.
Console yourself with shopping. The founder and former owner of Cowboys and Astronauts, a men’s store in Andersonville, has opened Blanket Fort (1 E. Dunes Highway), a design studio and shop in Beverly Shores. Matthew Buccilla describes his style as “vintage modern meets-cozy cabin-meets Japanese wabi-sabi.” His bona fides include designing spaces around the world for furniture maker Herman Miller. Blanket Fort, located in a cool midcentury building, is open the first and third weekends of the month.
The Heron, a French restaurant in Michigan City, Ind.
Neighboring Michigan City has seen an explosion of new restaurants, including The Heron (522 Franklin St.) which thankfully has strayed from the usual New American/Italian playbook and instead focuses on French food. A great happy hour from 4-6 p.m. (even Fridays!) features $10 martinis and deeply discounted wine and beer.
Up the street is Rocco’s Tavern (827 Franklin St.) from the family who owns Cafe Farina next door and Farina’s Supper Club in Michiana. Rocco’s makes you feel like you’re in a Rush Street steakhouse.
Interior of Rocco’s Tavern in Michigan City, Ind.
A reservation-only 12-seat Lebanese restaurant, C.12, (132 E. 6th St.) just opened in the lower level of a 100-year-old Masonic Temple. It’s owned by longtime area restaurateur Momahed “Moe” Mroueh. Diners sit around a horseshoe-shaped counter with an open kitchen. There’s one seating a night, offering a prix-fixe tasting menu ($65).
Also below ground is The Nightingale (1108 Franklin St.), a moody spot with small lamp-lit tables, great old-school cocktails, and live music, mostly jazz and blues. It’s open only occasionally so check before you go.
Cellar Door (1901 Franklin St.) opened last year in an historic building that once housed Harmony Bar. Cellar Door is everything you want in a classic neighborhood tavern — friendly service, carved wooden bar, games (10-pin bowling! Vintage pinball!), patio — and then add good wine and creative food. The head bartender and chef came from the well-regarded Hummingbird Lounge in New Buffalo.
A few new shopping options have popped up in Michigan City, too: The Wren (410 Wabash St.), a gift shop with a focus on sustainable, natural products, is across from Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall. Abigail Hayden Interiors & Design (607 Franklin St.) is a charming shop in the Arts District, filled with home accessories and art, as well as the owner’s own line of upholstered furniture.
The Standard 1208 in Michigan City, Ind.
The Standard 1208 (1208 E. Second St. at U.S. 12), formerly called Unsalted No Sharks and located in downtown Michigan City, has opened in an old Standard Oil station across from Burn ’Em Brewing (1215 E. Second St.). In addition to cool gifts and souvenirs, The Standard serves Italian sub sandwiches, great for taking to the beach. A second location just opened in New Buffalo (19 N. Whittaker St.).
Michiana, Ind.
Miles from Chicago: 67
The bar at Tavern on Twelve in Michiana, Ind.
Heading north on Route 12, Swells: A Dive Bar (3201 U.S. 12), cooks up four kinds of pizza: tavern style, Detroit style, deep dish and hand-tossed (New York style) and manages to do it all extremely well. There are soups, salads and sandwiches, too. It’s the sort of place where groups come to watch their team on TV. A dive bar with Veuve Clicquot on the menu? Sign me up.
Just up the road is Tonelli’s Tavern on Twelve (3103 U.S. 12), from the owner of Michigan City’s popular Tonelli’s, which closed a few years ago. This property has hosted a few restaurants in recent years (Blind Pig, Trip’s Tree House), but Tonelli’s seems to have found a groove in its 12 months in business, serving up classic Italian red-sauce fare at decent prices.
New Buffalo and Union Pier, Mich.
Miles from Chicago: 70
Farmette, a provisions store on the outskirts of New Buffalo
Across the border in Michigan, you might think not much changes in the little towns along Red Arrow Highway save for the time change. But many new restaurants and shops have opened, and a couple of longtime favorites have shuttered.
Just past all the new cannabis dispensaries on Route 12 (some 18 or so with more on the way), Farmette (18439 U.S. 12) on the outskirts of New Buffalo has become an instant favorite, with an in-house bakery specializing in sourdough, a coffee and drinks bar, and specialty food shop with a well-stocked freezer and refrigerator case, as well as produce and flowers in season (much of it grown on site). The owner tended Rick Bayless’ garden in Chicago once upon a time.
New Buffalo is home to arguably the hottest restaurant along this coast: PostBoy (207 N. Whittaker St.), which opened in fall of 2024. Heading the kitchen is James Galbraith, who founded Benton Harbor’s foodie favorites Houndstooth and Anemel. Galbraith previously worked under Chicago chefs at Intro, Blackbird, Elske, S.K.Y., Bellemore, and Boka. There’s a hopping patio and indoor/outdoor bar; be sure to reserve ahead. This place gets jammed.
If you’re looking for food to take to your Airbnb or vacation home, Angela’s Provisions (225 N. Whittaker St.) has homemade soups, pastas, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads, made to order or stocked in the fridge/freezer case.
Bookshore in New Buffalo, Mich.
The perfect hostess gift for discerning hosts is at Bookshore, which features big, gorgeous art books meant for a coffee table — or any surface. It’s owned by the same family that runs the popular tourist draw Stray Dog restaurant.
Harbor Country’s biggest news lately was the closing of Greenbush Brewing Company in Sawyer, a popular spot for 12 years. But beer lovers have other options.
The newest of the lot, which opened last fall, is Mangata Beer Co. (15936 Red Arrow Highway) in Union Pier, a sister operation of the award-winning Transient Artisan Ales (4229 Lake St.) in Bridgman. This tasting room focuses on easy-drinking, lower-alcohol beers such as pilsners, lagers, saisons and Belgian ales, all created at Transient’s brewhouse.
Sawyer and Three Oaks, Mich.
Miles from Chicago: 80
Longstory, a restaurant in Three Oaks, Mich.
Fulcra Brewing Company (13400 Red Arrow Highway) opened last July in a two-room bungalow in Sawyer, the dream of two home brewers (one a Dark Matter Coffee alum.) Fulcra focuses on balanced, drinkable brews. A beer garden has just opened; look for live music, food trucks or restaurant pop-ups, the owners say.
Three Oaks saw the closing of its popular pizza take-out, Patellie’s, last winter. But while pizza lovers mourned the loss, the owners used the space to expand their wine and beer store. P.+E. Bottle Shop (28 N. Elm St.) now carries cheese, bread, crackers, olives and prepared food — all the stuff that goes great with wine. And speaking of wine, there’s now a much-expanded selection of wine and craft beer.
For breakfast or lunch, two Chicago transplants have reopened the popular Viola Cafe (102 N. Elm St.), which was closed for a few years. Along with their chef, former Chopping Block owner Shelley Young, they’ve put a Southern twist on it. Think po’ boys, beignets, meat loaf, greens, fried green tomatoes and mac ’n’ cheese alongside breakfast classics.
Three Oaks had not had a stylish dinner spot for dinner until recently, with the opening of Longstory (8 Maple St.) in December 2024. The restaurant has had some bumps, with chef changes and the like, but is popular with locals, who gather for happy hours and order from the New-American-with-an-accent menu of chicken shawarma, Tuscan kale salad, polenta torte, grilled fish, New York strip, roasted beets and more.
Inside the popular boutique Goods & Heroes (7 Maple St.), a former clearance room has become a store within a store, GH Yarn Haus, which specializes in natural fibers and holds knitting get-togethers and classes.
Dreihart Winery, a wine tasting room, in Three Oaks, Mich.
A small wine tasting room (capacity: 25) opened in spring 2025 just off Three Oaks’ main drag. Dreihart Winery (6 Linden St. E.) is an offshoot of 6 Linden, which sells local meat, produce, eggs and cheeses, along with imported pastas and such. Winemaker Gottfried Hart, a charming man with a few stories to tell, is usually pouring. A former co-owner of Hickory Creek Winery in Buchanan, he’s one of several area winemakers who understands that Michigan can produce dry, complex wines similar to those from Austria and his native Germany. Grab some smoked trout rillette to pair with your wine.
Jan Parr, a former Chicago journalist, lives in the middle of the Indiana Dunes, in Beverly Shores. She writes about local happenings at DunesDiva.com.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to Iowa Republicans on midterm elections
Here from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX, talk to Iowa Republicans on midterm elections at Faith and Freedom’s Spring Kickoff on May 1, 2026.
For a ruby red state controlled at nearly every level by GOP elected officials, Iowa Republicans are unusually nervous going into the 2026 midterm election season.
The state has open races for governor and U.S. Senate, and it will see two of its four U.S. House races heavily targeted as Democratic pickup opportunities.
The governor’s race in particular has unsettled Republicans, as well-funded, well-liked Democratic state Auditor Rob Sand marshals a formidable campaign infrastructure while Republicans fight out a divisive five-way primary race.
The candidate field will be set in the state’s primary elections Tuesday, June 2.
National leaders of both parties see Iowa as a potential key to either holding or reversing national control of Congress, and Democrats hope to reclaim ground with rural voters in a state that has consistently trended red.
“The Democrats have put a bullseye on the state of Iowa,” Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz warned Iowa Republicans at a May 2 rally in suburban Des Moines.
Cruz said Democrats believe they can swing control of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate away from Republicans just by flipping seats in Iowa.
“And they’re probably right about that,” he said.
National midterm trends favor Democrats, as polling shows voters souring on Republican President Donald Trump, gas prices skyrocket amid war with Iran, and the cost of living remains high.
In Iowa, the state has taken additional hits as trade wars and high costs threaten a renewed farm crisis in the state’s agricultural economy.
But it will be a tough road for Democrats in the Hawkeye State, even if the midterm stars align in their favor.
Registered Republican voters outnumber registered Democrats in Iowa by nearly 200,000, and Republicans have dominated recent election cycles in the state.
Trump carried Iowa by about 13 percentage points in 2024. And Republicans hold all six seats in Congress, both chambers of the state Legislature and every statewide elected office but one.
“We have the record, we have the numbers,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is not seeking another term, said at a March event with the Polk County GOP.
“If we show up, we will win,” she said.
U.S. Senate race: Democrats will choose between two ‘fighters’
One of the most closely watched primary races in Iowa is the Democratic contest for U.S. Senate.
Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, announced last year she would not run in 2026, leaving the seat open and stoking Democrats’ hopes for reclaiming it.
However, a Democrat has not held a U.S. Senate seat in Iowa since longtime senator Tom Harkin retired in 2015.
A pair of Democrats, state Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls, are hoping to change that.
Both are running aggressive primary campaigns, each arguing he is the more electable candidate in a general election.
Turek, of Council Bluffs, touts his grit on the campaign trail.
Growing up with spina bifida, Turek endured 21 surgeries before age 12 and went on to become a gold medal-winning Paralympian representing Team USA in wheelchair basketball.
He says he’s a “battle tested” candidate after winning his Iowa House seat in a western Iowa district that Trump carried.
“I went out, and I crawled stairs and I knocked doors dragging my wheelchair up there to have a conversation with every single person in the community,” he said. “That didn’t matter, Democrats, independents, Republicans. Talked to them all, and talked about the issues they cared about. And I won my first election by just six votes.”
Wahls, of Coralville, says he’ll motivate voters by taking on a corrupt political system that’s rigged in favor of billionaires and corporations at the expense of the middle class.
He rose to political prominence after giving a viral speech at age 19 on the Iowa House floor defending his two moms’ right to marry.
“Iowans want a fighter who has that courage to challenge a broken system and the status quo that is failing our state. I think that’s the core contrast in this race for Democratic primary voters,” Wahls said. “I’m willing to fight back against an establishment that has failed Iowans over and over again. Rep. Turek is being supported by that establishment.”
The candidates share similar views across a range of issues, although Turek cuts a more moderate image, while Wahls leans more progressive — a dynamic that echoes Democratic primaries across the country this year.
One point of contention: Wahls has said he will not vote for U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader if elected and has called on Turek, who he has criticized for being too closely aligned with the Democratic political establishment, to do the same.
“I’ve called on Josh Turek to join me in rejecting outside spending in this race and rejecting Chuck Schumer’s leadership. He’s refused,” Wahls said. “If he doesn’t have the courage to take on the failed leaders in our own party, he won’t be able to take on Donald Trump either.”
Turek said in a May 5 debate he is “not a D.C. insider.”
“I don’t know these folks,” he said. “I only have one idea with this. And that is: I am not measuring the drapes.”
But the perception that outside forces are working hard to shape the race has rattled some Iowa Democrats.
VoteVets, an outside group that has previously aligned with Senate Democratic leadership but denies any coordination in Iowa’s race, has spent $10 million on television and digital advertising and direct mail to support Turek since March 23, according to reports with the Federal Election Commission.
Although Turek is not a veteran, he believes his spina bifida was caused by his father’s exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.
The $10 million figure has dwarfed what the candidates themselves have raised and spent and could dramatically shape the race’s outcome.
Turek and Wahls have so far raised $3.5 million and $3.7 million respectively.
The winner of Tuesday’s primary is expected to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson.
Hinson announced her Senate campaign just hours after Ernst said she would not seek reelection. She quickly secured major endorsements from Iowa political leaders, as well as Trump.
She faces a primary from former state Sen. Jim Carlin, although she is heavily favored to win.
Both national parties have signaled their intentions to invest heavily in the state as it moves into the general election — an indication of Iowa’s importance to the parties’ overall strategies.
The Republican-aligned Senate Leadership Fund said it will spend $29 million on behalf of Hinson while the Democrat-aligned Senate Majority PAC plans to spend $13.4 million in Iowa.
Rob Sand energizes Democrats; Republicans will choose nominee in June 2 primary race
Nonpartisan elections analysts at the Cook Political Report have labeled Iowa’s governor’s race as a “toss-up,” moving it into the most competitive category the organization tracks.
“The battle for Iowa’s governorship is officially a barnburner,” wrote Matthew Klein, an analyst who focuses on gubernatorial contests.
Sand, the Democratic state auditor, has energized Iowa voters and garnered national media buzz as he assembles what Iowa Democrats and Republicans alike say is a strong campaign operation.
He started early and aggressively, completing a 100-stop public town hall tour before presumed GOP frontrunner, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, formally got into the race.
Sand plans another 100-stop tour this summer, arguing the effort will help raise his profile among prospective voters, especially in the small towns and rural areas that have abandoned Democrats in recent election cycles.
He said he believes that even if voters don’t completely agree with him, they’ll respect him for having the conversation.
According to the campaign, Sand met with about 10,000 people across all 100 of his town halls, taking roughly 750 questions.
Sand positions himself as an independent-minded Democrat fed up with the two-party political system. And on the campaign trail, he argues that single-party control of government has led to abuses of power.
“We all know the phrase ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,’” he said as he embarked on his statewide tour. “And now we can say it also takes 10 years. Ten years of one-party control.”
He said that isn’t a partisan statement.
“I invite you to visit the state of California. I invite you to visit the state of New York,” he said. “There, you will find problems. … Either party, when left to its own devices, will begin to serve insiders and special interest groups.”
He’s also incredibly well-funded.
Sand has raised nearly $28 million since the start of his campaign — a number that is boosted significantly by his wealthy in-laws, who have contributed about $11.5 million.
Sand has used his war chest to begin airing a series of accountability-focused television ads, while his opponents are mired in a competitive primary fight.
Five Republicans will be on the June 2 primary ballot, including Feenstra, state Rep. Eddie Andrews, businessman Zach Lahn, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former state administrator Adam Steen.
Feenstra entered the race as the presumed frontrunner, with millions of dollars already at his disposal and the backing of some of the state’s top elected officials.
He has run a campaign focused on making Iowa a business- and ag-friendly state, improving education, reducing property taxes, and increasing access to quality and affordable health care.
He touts his work helping to secure Trump’s agenda in Congress, including helping to author portions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Trump issued a key endorsement in Feenstra’s favor just days before the primary, which could help buoy his prospects.
Iowa’s MAGA-aligned Republican base has always treated Feenstra with some skepticism — a mood that has intensified as he avoids many public-facing events, including multi-candidate forums and primary debates.
As Election Day nears, Feenstra faces the threat of failing to reach the 35% threshold needed to secure the nomination outright.
If no candidate hits that benchmark, the nomination will be decided by a group of a grassroots delegates at a statewide convention June 13.
In the final days of the race, Feenstra’s campaign has trained its attacks on Lahn, a businessman, entrepreneur and farmer who has aligned himself with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement.
Lahn has gained momentum on the campaign trail by focusing much of his message on fighting special interests and corporate monopolies, as well as Iowa’s rising cancer rates and problems with water quality.
“We don’t have time to ignore the problem anymore,” Lahn said of Iowa’s cancer and water problems. “And I think Iowans know that.”
He’s also aired a series of TV ads emphasizing his conservative roots, arguing that “Marxists” have “hijacked” public school curricula and that government jobs should not go to H-1B visa holders in an effort to end illegal immigration.
Lahn outraised Feenstra in the fundraising period that ran from Jan. 1 to May 14, although Feenstra has raised more overall. Lahn has self-funded the bulk of his campaign, contributed $2 million to the effort.
Also on the GOP ballot are state Rep. Eddie Andrews, former state Rep. Brad Sherman and former state administrator Adam Steen.
A pair of congressional races will put Iowa in the spotlight
Two of Iowa’s four congressional races are rated “toss-ups” by the Cook Political Report and are expected to draw significant national attention. There are just 18 such races in the country.
The 3rd District, which encompasses the Capitol city of Des Moines, is perhaps the state’s swingiest.
Currently represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, the district is about 36% registered Republicans and 31% registered Democrats. Another 32% are no-party voters.
Nunn is being challenged by Sarah Trone Garriott, a state senator from West Des Moines. Both are unopposed for their party’s nomination.
And in the state’s southeast corner, Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller‑Meeks and Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan are gearing up for what could be their third race against each other since 2022.
Despite each facing party challengers, Both Miller-Meeks and Bohannan have been largely operating in general election mode ahead of the June 2 primary. The two each have stockpiled more than $4 million for one of the nation’s top targeted U.S. House battles.
Democrats have also identified Iowa’s 2nd District as a possible pickup opportunity under the right circumstances. That is an open race after Hinson decided to run for U.S. Senate.
Cook Political Report has shifted the race from “Solid R” to “Likely R,” saying Democrats “have a better shot” at competing now that Hinson is running for another position.
In the Democratic race, state Rep. Lindsay James of Dubuque has emerged as the party’s fundraising leader, followed by former Cedar Rapids nonprofit leader Clint Twedt-Ball and former Kirkwood Community College Dean of Nursing Kathy Dolter.
And on the Republican side, former state Rep. Joe Mitchell of Clear Lake has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the GOP primary, building a massive fundraising advantage over state Sen. Charlie McClintock of Alburnett, while collecting endorsements from Trump and national Republicans.
Des Moines Register reporters Stephen Gruber-Miller and Marissa Payne contributed to this report.
Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She writes about campaigns, elections and the Iowa Caucuses. Reach her at bpfann@dmreg.com or 515-284-8244. Follow her on X at @brianneDMR.
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