Republican David Pautsch says he won't be deterred from seeking the GOP nomination in the 2026 race for southeastern Iowa's 1st Congressional District after President Donald Trump endorsed incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks' reelection bid.

The self-proclaimed "MAGA Republican" who unsuccessfully tried to oust Miller-Meeks in 2024 had contemplated dropping out of the race after Trump's endorsement, but Pautsch said Wednesday, Nov. 12, in Iowa City he is staying the course.

"No matter what happens with the election, it is secondary to the opportunity to engage people and discuss and talk about these things," Pautsch said. "I am not here to condemn them. I’m not here to make them feel inferior or be condescending. … Why would I give up this privilege, this honor, this platform and q

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