Democrat Kathy Dolter Pitches Grassroots Campaign, Health Care Expansion in Bid for Congress

Without your donation, some stories vanish. Support Decorah News. DECORAH — Kathy Dolter, a retired Army nurse and educator, told prospective supporters this week that her congressional campaign will focus on expanding health care access, reforming campaign finance and restoring accountability in government. "I'm a nurse and I just can't stand by while people are suffering. I need to do something," Dolter said at a meet-and-greet event Monday at The Landing Market, where she outlined her priorities and fielded questions. Dolter, who served more than 20 years in the military and later built nursing programs in Iowa, said her medical background drives one of her top campaign goals: strengthening preventive care and expanding access to Medicaid. "We spend two to three times more per person in this country than any other country in the world, and we are not getting what we pay for," she said. She proposed extending Medicaid coverage to all women of childbearing age and children up to 18, while also reinforcing Medicare and the Veterans Affairs health system. She also warned of inequities in health outcomes, citing high maternal and infant mortality rates. "One in ten babies in America end up in the NICU. NICU babies are the most expensive thing in the hospital," she said. "We have to fund preventive maternal care so that families don't end up there in the first place." Beyond health care, Dolter listed campaign finance reform as another urgent priority. "We need campaign financing reform because corporations are not people. It totally drowns out the voices of individuals," she said, criticizing what she described as a political system dominated by wealthy donors. Attendees asked how she would compete against potentially better-funded Democratic and Republican challengers. She acknowledged the uphill battle but stressed grassroots organizing, digital outreach and community engagement. "It's about being with people where they're at," she said. "We can't just rely on money; we have to energize neighbors and communities." Dolter said she is committed to being a "non-politician" candidate who brings military and medical leadership experience to government. "I believe in evidence, I believe in action, and I believe in accountability," she told the crowd. "We should have a message, and that message should be accountability, against corruption, and respect for the Constitution." Dolter is seeking the Democratic nomination in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Learn more about Dolter and her campaign here. Become a part of the exclusive circle! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and gain access to special offers, bonus content and insider perks.