As National Police Week shines a spotlight on the sacrifices law enforcement officers make every day, Christina Bohannan is facing renewed scrutiny for a record that Republicans say is hostile to police and public safety in Iowa. The focus on her professional and legislative history comes at a time when communities across Iowa are honoring those who serve on the front lines of public safety.
Academic Advocacy and Fundraising
The scrutiny begins with Bohannan’s tenure as Chair of the University of Iowa College of Law’s DEI Committee. In this role, critics argue that she used her position to promote the defund-the-police movement. Specifically, Bohannan encouraged donations to the National Bail Out Fund, a group that supports the abolition of cash bail, prisons, and police departments. This organization has publicly referred to law enforcement as the largest state-sanctioned gang in the country.
Additionally, as DEI Chair, Bohannan solicited contributions for the Minnesota Freedom Fund. That organization has drawn significant criticism for bailing out defendants charged with murder, violent felonies, and sex crimes, all while actively supporting the ending of cash bail and the defunding of police services.
Opposition in the State House
Bohannan’s legislative record in the State House has also become a focal point of the current debate. In 2021, she voted against SF 342, also known as Iowa’s Back the Blue legislation. The bill was intended to increase support for law enforcement and strengthen penalties for rioting.
Following her vote, Bohannan defended her position in a letter to the editor. She claimed the legislation would make citizens both less free and less safe, describing the bill as part of a nationwide effort to crack down on protests. That same year, she voted against a proposed $20.5 million increase in funding for the Iowa Department of Corrections, a move Republicans say undermined the state’s safety infrastructure.
The Road to 2026
Bohannan is currently embarking on her third attempt to win this congressional seat. Her previous campaigns in 2022 and 2024 both resulted in losses to incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks. As the 2026 cycle progresses, her history of advocacy on policing and her legislative record on the topic may prove a liability with voters who have, on several occasions, now rejected her.
Local Alliances and Financial Backing
The criticism also extends to the political company Bohannan keeps. She has been a consistent supporter of Iowa City officials who have called for shifting resources away from police departments. Additionally, campaign records show she has accepted $13,500 in financial contributions from groups that have made the defund movement a cornerstone of their platform.
The NRCC provided the following comment to Iowa Field Report regarding the contrast between the goals of Police Week and Bohannan’s career history:
“Christina Bohannan’s dream for Iowa is for the streets to be overrun with lawless, violent criminals. Bohannan has proven she is far too extreme and dangerous to be trusted to keep Iowans safe.” -Emily Tuttle
As the 2026 campaign continues, the contrast between Bohannan’s advocacy and her opponent’s pro-police messaging is likely to remain a prominent issue for voters across the state.
