Iowa – Amidst a cancer-linked industrial agriculture water pollution crisis, Iowans have elected clean water champions Josh Turek, Christina Bohannan, Sarah Trone Garriott and Lindsay James to Congress, handing Democrats majority control of both chambers. An additional 20 clean water champions have also been elected to the state legislature.

In the last month, through its Iowans for Clean Water PAC, the national political organization Food & Water Action spent $550,000 on advertisements in support of 27 Iowa candidates committed to protecting clean water from industrial agricultural pollution; 24 have won their race. Food & Water Action organizers and volunteers have additionally knocked on over 50,000 doors, talked to at least 8,000 voters and distributed 1,000 lawn signs in support of clean water candidates in the Des Moines, Iowa City and Davenport metro areas.

Food & Water Action Senior Iowa Organizer Jennifer Breon released the following statement:

“Iowa’s midterms are a referendum on clean water and a clear rebuke of Big Ag. No one should have to wonder whether the water they drink could give them cancer. Democrats’ critical victories prove the power of Iowa’s clean water movement — and we are just getting started. The results send a clear message to our next Governor: Clean water must be a day one priority. 

“Few states were more critical for control of Congress as Iowa, and few issues are as important to Iowa voters as restoring safe drinking water. We look forward to working with clean water champions in Congress and in Des Moines to crack down on industrial agriculture’s free pass to pollute.”

The election comes amidst a statewide reckoning on cancer-linked industrial agriculture pollution. Iowa has the nation’s highest surface water nitrate contamination and fastest rising cancer rate, as well as more factory farms and pesticide use than any other state.

Polling commissioned by Food & Water Action found that cancer rates and water quality were top issues for Iowa voters — 79% of Iowa voters support mandatory requirements for industrial agriculture to reduce pollution.