Des Moines, Iowa — Ryan Melton, the Democrat running in Iowa’s fourth congressional district, says it’s ridiculous to identify immigration as the top concern of voters, like Republicans do, such as his opponent, Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull.
Melton says there is no invasion and immigrants are giving new life to places like Hawarden, Storm Lake, Marshalltown, Denison and Carroll.
Melton says the hollowing out of rural Iowa is the issue that comes up over and over as he speaks with voters in the 36 counties that make up the fourth congressional district. He says low-paying jobs, attacks on public education and a lack of access to health care and child care are the root causes.
Melton made his comments during an appearance on The Des Moines Register’s Political Soapbox at the Iowa State Fair. Feenstra declined the Register’s invitation to speak at the same spot on the fairgrounds. Melton ran against Feenstra in 2022 and lost by 37 percent in a district with a sizable voter registration edge for Republicans.
