Former Iowa state Rep. Christina Bohannan missed 348 of 773 floor votes in 2022, representing 45% of all votes cast during her final year in office, according to legislative records. Bohannan, a Democrat running for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, has framed her campaign as a commitment to direct engagement with voters, including a 2025 post on X emphasizing the need for leaders to 'show up' and interact with constituents.
Bohannan’s absences occurred while she campaigned for Congress in a race rated a 'toss up' by the Cook Political Report. The missed votes included legislation addressing protections for sexual abuse victims, emergency 911 services, juvenile justice reform, and agricultural programs, among other issues. Iowa legislative records confirm the tally of missed votes, which span the 2022 legislative session.
Background on the candidate
Bohannan served in the Iowa House from 2019 to 2023, representing District 85. Her campaign for Congress has highlighted her legislative record, including sponsorship of bills related to education and economic development. In a 2021 interview with Bleeding Heartland, an Iowa politics blog, she described plans to prioritize legislative work during the 2022 session. Her 2025 campaign materials emphasize voter outreach, including participation in candidate forums across multiple Iowa counties.
Reactions from political opponents
A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), Emily Tuttle, criticized Bohannan’s voting record, stating: 'Missing half your job while collecting your taxpayer-funded paycheck isn’t leadership worthy of a promotion — it’s the kind of performance that would get you fired anywhere else.'
The NRCC’s statement contrasts Bohannan’s 2025 remarks on leadership with her voting record during her final year in office. The organization did not respond to requests for additional comment on the specific bills Bohannan missed.
Context of the congressional race
Iowa’s 1st Congressional District is a battleground seat in the 2024 elections, with control of the U.S. House hinging on narrow margins. Republicans hold a four-seat majority in the House, and the district’s competitive status has drawn national attention. Bohannan’s campaign did not respond to requests for comment on her voting record or the reasons for her absences.
Legislative procedures and compensation
Iowa state legislators receive a salary for their service, including during legislative sessions. The state’s legislative records track attendance and voting participation, though specific reasons for individual absences are not uniformly documented. The Iowa House of Representatives does not publicly detail the rationale behind each missed vote, leaving the causes—whether campaign-related, personal, or logistical—subject to interpretation.
Election timeline and next steps
Bohannan’s congressional campaign is ongoing, with the general election scheduled for November 2024. The race remains a focal point for both parties, given its potential impact on House control. The Iowa Secretary of State’s office confirmed the district’s competitive status but did not provide additional electoral context.
Voters in Iowa’s 1st District will determine Bohannan’s political future in November, with her voting record during her final legislative term remaining a point of contention.