Zachary (Zach) Nunn

Zachary Nunn is an American politician and military officer currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he has held this office since 2023. Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, Nunn served in various capacities within the Iowa state legislature and has a background in military service and cybersecurity.

Early life and career

Zachary Nunn was born on May 4, 1979, in Story City, Iowa, to parents Curtis and Luann Nunn. He spent his formative years in Altoona, Iowa, where he completed his high school education at Southeast Polk High School, graduating in 1998. During his time in high school, he was recognized as an All American Scholar, indicating his academic achievements.

Following high school, Nunn pursued higher education at Drake University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and international relations in 2002. His involvement in student governance began early, as he served as a senator in the student senate starting in 1999. Nunn continued his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in military operational art and science from the Air Command and Staff College at Air University in 2004. He further advanced his academic credentials with a Master of Studies in international security from Selwyn College, Cambridge, in 2007.

Nunn's professional career began in the military, where he joined the United States Air Force and later transitioned to the Iowa Air National Guard in 2004. By 2021, he had achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and was serving as the commander of the 233rd Intelligence Squadron, 132nd Wing, Iowa Air National Guard. His military career culminated in a promotion to the rank of colonel in June 2024. In addition to his military service, Nunn has worked as a cybersecurity consultant and has held various legislative roles. He was part of the research staff for British Member of Parliament Sir Peter Bottomley in 2002 and served on the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley in 2004. Nunn also held the position of director of cybersecurity policy for the United States National Security Council during the Obama administration.

House tenure

Nunn's political career at the state level began when he was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives, where he served from 2015 to 2019. Following this, he was elected to the Iowa Senate, representing the 15th district from 2019 until 2023. In 2021, Nunn announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking to represent Iowa's 3rd congressional district in the 2022 election. This district, which encompasses central Iowa, had undergone redistricting that made it more rural and conservative-leaning, thus presenting a competitive electoral landscape.

In the 2022 election, Nunn faced incumbent Democrat Cindy Axne, who was the only Democrat in Iowa's congressional delegation. Nunn's campaign received endorsements from prominent figures, including Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and Tom Cotton. He successfully secured the Republican primary and went on to win the general election against Axne, marking a significant political shift in the district. Nunn garnered a narrow victory with a vote count of 156,237 to 154,084.

Nunn's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began in January 2023, and he was re-elected in 2024, defeating Democratic nominee Lanon Baccam. His second election victory was notable as it contradicted polling predictions that favored the Democratic candidate.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House, Nunn has focused on several legislative initiatives and has served on various committees. In April 2025, he introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting older Americans from scams, known as the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception Act. This legislation, co-sponsored with representatives from both parties, seeks to enhance local law enforcement's ability to investigate fraudulent activities targeting seniors.

Additionally, Nunn introduced the Social Security Overpayment Relief Act, which aims to limit the Social Security Administration's ability to recover overpayments made due to administrative errors, particularly those over ten years old unless fraud is involved. He has also collaborated with Democratic colleagues to introduce the HEALTH for MOM Act, which seeks to improve access to maternal healthcare in underserved areas.

Nunn is a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth, reflecting his commitment to issues related to child welfare and support for foster care systems.

In terms of committee assignments, Nunn serves on the Committee on Agriculture, where he is involved in subcommittees focusing on commodity markets, digital assets, and rural development. He is also a member of the Committee on Financial Services, participating in subcommittees that address capital markets, national security, and financial technology. Furthermore, he is part of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting his engagement in matters of international relations and national security.

Nunn's political positions include a moderate stance on various issues, as noted by some observers. He opposes abortion but supports exceptions in cases involving the life of the mother, rape, and incest, advocating for the decision to be made at the state level rather than through federal mandates. He has expressed opposition to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, citing concerns about wastefulness in the legislation.

In his personal life, Nunn married Kelly in 2013 in Washington, D.C. This marriage marked her second, and together they navigate the complexities of family life while Nunn continues his political career. As of May 2023, he announced that he would not be running for the governorship of Iowa, following the retirement announcement of Governor Kim Reynolds.