18 women candidates to watch for the 2018 midterms

16. Abby Finkenauer (D)

State: Iowa
Race: 1st District
Platform highlights: Finkenauer has emphasized the economic needs of her community as she and her campaign see it. To that end, she promises to push for more investment in her district in an effort to bring more jobs and economic support to the region.

To accomplish that, Finkenauer also argues that Iowa needs renewed funding interest in the state’s infrastructure. This includes improved highways, bridges, levees, and other engineering projects to help transport goods in and out of the region. As part of this, she has also argued for better internet access for rural Iowans.

Her campaign also promises more effort in securing funding for small business owners and farmers in the state. Considering that agriculture is one of Iowa’s central industries — and one that has been hit bit the ongoing trade disputes and tariffs served between the United States and China — this could prove to be a huge issue for Finkenauer and her opponent.

Why you should watch out for her: Currently, Finkenauer serves as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives. If elected, she will be the first woman to represent Iowa in the national House of Representatives. At 29, she would also be the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.

Beyond progressive and groundbreaking points such as these, Iowa’s 1st District race will also prove to be an interesting one. Finkenauer, as the Democratic nominee, will face a competitive run against Republican incumbent Rod Blum. Could Iowa’s more traditionally Republican voters really go blue in this election? The possibility alone makes Finkenauer a candidate worth watching.

Campaign website: www.abbyfinkenauer.com