Why It Matters
Republican Chris McGowan and Democrat Dave Dawson are competing for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, an open seat left by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra. During their Oct. 14 debate, both candidates rejected importing Russian diesel as a way to reduce fuel costs.
What Happened
McGowan and Dawson debated policy plans during an “Iowa Press” broadcast. The district covers western Iowa and areas north of Des Moines.
McGowan opposed working with Russia on fuel costs. He said voters facing high prices at the pump should not view cooperation with Russia as a solution while Russia is at war with Ukraine.
“We all recognize there’s an awful lot of pain at the pump, but I have not spoken with any voters who believe that one of the solutions ought to be working with a dictator from Russia who’s engaged in a war that he initiated with Ukraine, one of our allies,” McGowan said.
Dawson said lifting sanctions on Russian diesel would violate a 2022 law and argued that Congress must be consulted before sanctions are removed.
The candidates also disagreed over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran. Dawson called both illegal, saying Congress had not authorized the war and that the conflict had destabilized fuel markets while increasing regional conflict.
McGowan said the tariffs are intended to restore manufacturing and create a more even trade environment. He said that, if elected, he would seek classified Pentagon information about threats in Iran. McGowan also said the United States has remained in Iran too long, while identifying prevention of an Iranian nuclear weapon and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open as U.S. objectives.
“We’ve already lost 18 Americans, including those from Iowa,” Dawson said.
By the Numbers
Oct. 14 — date of the “Iowa Press” debate
Oct. 1 — date of the first debate, hosted by KTIV
2022 — year of the law Dawson cited on Russian diesel sanctions
18 Americans — number Dawson said had been lost, including people from Iowa
12-month — duration of Woodbury County’s data center application moratorium
16 — age when Dawson said he began participating in Social Security
Zoom Out
McGowan and Dawson found common ground on a farm bill, year-round E-15 ethanol, immigration reform, FEMA reform and higher penalties for businesses that knowingly employ people ineligible to work in the United States.
Both candidates also support local decisions on data centers, congressional term limits and protecting Social Security. McGowan said data centers should cover all infrastructure costs and address light and noise. Dawson supports Woodbury County’s moratorium on data center applications and federal enforcement of environmental standards for businesses.
The candidates diverged on farmland ownership. McGowan opposes restrictions on private-equity purchases of farmland, while Dawson supports banning private-equity ownership and out-of-state foreign ownership of Iowa farmland.
On Social Security, McGowan supports protecting current participants while scrutinizing changes affecting future generations. Dawson supports lifting the income cap on contributions and opposes raising the retirement age or cutting benefits.
What’s Next
The candidates’ positions will remain part of the contest for Iowa’s 4th District seat. The debate followed an Oct. 1 forum hosted by KTIV and included disagreements over fuel policy, Iran, tariffs, farmland, data centers and Social Security.