Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has formally requested that the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) probe whether Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. crossed a legal line by meddling in two Iowa congressional races. In a letter to Acting Special Counsel Jamieson Greer, Wyden cited the Hatch Act, which restricts federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities, and urged an immediate inquiry into Kennedy’s contacts with Libertarian candidates last month.
Alleged Conversations with Libertarian Hopefuls
According to Wyden’s letter, Kennedy spoke with Marco Battaglia, a Libertarian candidate in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, and Rick Stewart, a Libertarian running in the 2nd District. During a phone call with Battaglia, Kennedy reportedly warned that if the seat flipped, it would “make my life hell.” The district is currently held by Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), who is seeking reelection against Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott. Polling from March showed Nunn with 48% support, Trone Garriott with 42%, and 10% undecided or backing others.
In a separate call with Stewart, Kennedy allegedly suggested Stewart could land a federal job outside elected office—and offered to help make that happen. Wyden argued that Kennedy used his official cabinet position to pressure Stewart to drop out, aiming to boost the Republican candidate and protect the GOP’s House majority. “Secretary Kennedy called Stewart in his official capacity … and he asked that Stewart suspend his campaign in order to make it easier for the Republican candidate to win,” Wyden wrote.
Political Context and Shifting Dynamics
The 2nd District is open after Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) launched a Senate bid to replace Sen. Joni Ernst, who is retiring. The Cook Political Report recently shifted the district from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican,” signaling a tighter race. Republican Joe Mitchell and Democrat Lindsay James are vying for Hinson’s seat, with Stewart and Independent Dave Bushaw also in the mix. Wyden framed Kennedy’s actions as an attempt to “delete candidates from the ballot,” undermining voter choice.
Wyden’s letter also noted that Kennedy’s alleged interference might extend beyond these two calls. “It is likely that Secretary Kennedy’s election interference activities did not stop with the two phone calls described above,” he wrote, though no further details were provided. The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from using their authority to influence elections, and violations can lead to removal from office.
Broader Implications for Political Ethics
The request for an investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of political appointees’ conduct. Wyden, a senior Democrat on the Finance Committee, has been a vocal critic of what he sees as politicization within the executive branch. The OSC, an independent agency, enforces the Hatch Act and can recommend disciplinary action. The Hill has reached out to HHS for comment on the allegations.
This controversy adds to ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party, as internal rifts between progressives and moderates continue to surface. Meanwhile, the GOP faces its own challenges, with some strategists warning that infighting could cost them seats. For now, the focus remains on whether Kennedy’s actions crossed a legal line—and what that means for the integrity of Iowa’s elections.
