IA-03 · DEBATE COVERAGE
Nunn and Trone Garriott debate health coverage, taxes and the Iran war
Health care and household costs were central to the October 27 KCCI debate between Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott. The candidates met in Des Moines one week before Election Day. Watch KCCI's full replay.
Coverage and the cost of care
Trone Garriott argued for protecting the Affordable Care Act and restoring Medicaid funding, saying coverage losses would harm families and strain hospitals. Both candidates spoke about their mothers' experiences with cancer. In comments to reporters afterward, Nunn said he did not consider the ACA the best approach and favored directing more support to hospitals, clinics and other providers.
On household costs, Trone Garriott blamed tariffs and the Iran war for higher fuel prices and called for ending the tariffs. Nunn emphasized tax relief and described the pressures of supporting his six children.
The candidates also disagreed about tax policy. Trone Garriott supported making tax breaks for tips, Social Security and overtime permanent and criticized the balance between temporary worker provisions and permanent benefits for corporations and wealthy taxpayers. Nunn defended tax cuts as helping workers, seniors and families and encouraging economic growth. KCCI's reporting on health care and taxes.
Iran and congressional oversight
Both said Iran should not acquire a nuclear weapon. Trone Garriott criticized the administration's strategy and said she would support a bipartisan effort to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Nunn said changed conditions led him to support withdrawing the president's war authority after earlier opposing efforts to end the conflict. Radio Iowa's debate report.
Responding to campaign attacks
Moderators also asked the candidates to address attacks about the Epstein files and transgender policies. Nunn said protecting victims' identities explained his opposition to earlier efforts to release the files. Trone Garriott criticized the timing of his eventual support for disclosure and called for accountability.
On transgender students and athletes, Trone Garriott defended her votes in terms of parental involvement and children's safety and fairness. Nunn criticized her position, arguing for restrictions he said would protect girls. Iowa Capital Dispatch's reporting.
The full recording includes additional discussion beyond these selected exchanges.
Clarification, October 28: Nunn's comment that the ACA was not the best approach was made to reporters after the debate.
This recap draws on the linked reporting by the debate hosts and other journalists. Watch the full recording for the complete exchanges.