Read Here: Iowa Democratic Party hosts annual Wing Ding fundraiser

The Surf Ballroom and Museum was packed Thursday night as Democrats from across the state gathered for the annual Democratic Wing Ding fundraiser.

The evening of food and camaraderie featured fiery campaign speeches from the Iowa Democratic Party’s roster of candidates for midterm and state elections.

The night began with a moment of silence for former Wing Ding chair Randy Black, who died earlier this year, and Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota state representative and former Wing Ding participant who was assassinated in June. 

The 23rd annual event featured Iowa gubernatorial candidates Rob Sand and Julie Stauch, along with keynote speaker Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol police officer who was present during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. 

Speakers throughout the evening zeroed in on the Trump administration, saying it poses a serious threat to American democracy and the stability of the working class in Iowa.

Candidates focused on Iowa’s struggling rural health care systems amid looming Medicaid cuts, the fight for women’s rights, border and immigration policy, and Iowa’s issues with clean water supply.

The speeches were peppered with cheers from the passionate crowd, with some attendees calling for the release of the Epstein files in light of the recent controversy over President Trump’s involvement with notorious human trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. 

Dunn, who had a brief foray into electoral politics with an unsuccessful bid for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District seat, encapsulated the evening’s vibe succinctly during his keynote address: “I am injured, but not defeated. We’re all a little injured right now. But we’re not defeated,” Dunn said. 

And according to Stephanie Steiner, a retired labor and delivery nurse from Sutherland running to represent Iowa’s 4th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, the situation is dire.

Steiner told the Globe Gazette she is concerned Republicans and the Trump administration plan to use gerrymandering to obtain a supermajority after the midterms and change the Constitution. 

“How do you get it where you can legally stay in office? It requires an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which cannot be done without a supermajority,” Steiner said. “I think in 2028 we will be under the fascist control of the billionaires, unless we act now. … The flames are to the roof.” 

Other candidates echoed her urgency. Nathan Sage, a former U.S. Marine and mechanic challenging Joni Ernst for her U.S. Senate seat, is known for his intense and expletive-laden speeches, and Thursday’s was no exception. 

“I stood on the yellow footprints at MCRD (Marine Corps Recruit Depot) San Diego, and I put my hand in the air and I said I will swear to defend and support the Constitution of the United States, and now we’re watching an orange idiot ruin it,” Sage said during his remarks.

Sage said if immigrants, women, and other marginalized groups can lose rights, it could happen to anyone.

“If they can take away their rights, they can take away anyone’s rights,” he said. 

Rob Sand, state auditor and Democratic candidate for the governor’s seat, recalled the biblical parable of Jesus flipping over the moneychangers’ tables in the temple. 

“I have a reputation as a nice guy, but I’m pretty angry about this too. … We’ve got a few tables in Des Moines that we can be flipping over,” Sand said.

Kathryn Dolter, a Democratic candidate running for Rep. Ashley Hinson’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, earned a standing ovation with her speech, during which she lambasted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

“Immediately impeach Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is making America sick again through his destruction of immunization programs and vaccine disinformation, which will lead to the deaths and illnesses of Americans and others around the globe,” Dolter said to cheers. 

Rob, a Democrat from North Iowa attending the event, spoke to the Globe Gazette at length about his father’s struggle with cancer, fear about his family losing access to their health care, and his concerns about Trump. He did not want to be identified by his last name. 

“My father was a teacher for roughly 20 years, 25 years, and then he worked for the education association for another 15 years. And just seeing the look on his face when I talk to him, anything about education. … It’s sick. It’s (expletive) sick, what’s happening,” Rob said. “Our senior citizens have worked their entire life to keep their Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security. And now all these right-wing jerks are ripping them away from them.” 

State Rep. Lindsay James, who represents Iowa’s 71st District, took the time to connect with Rob at the Wing Ding. 

James told the Globe Gazette she is “strongly considering” a bid to unseat Rep. Ashley Hinson and help secure a Democratic majority in the U.S. House of Representatives at the midterms.

Stories like Rob’s stay with her every time she steps on the floor of the Iowa House. 

“When I am speaking on behalf of my district, it’s those stories and it’s the faces of the constituents I know and love, who come to me in those moments. I take that responsibility very, very seriously,” James said.

Dunn’s remarks to the Globe Gazette were similar, saying it’s caring for others that sets the Democratic Party apart to him.

“Democrats are kind and we give a damn about people,” Dunn said. “Are we perfect? No. Are we great? No. Do we care about people? Absolutely.”