Staci Appel

Appel is pro-choice and supports same-sex marriage. She has stated her support for the Affordable Care Act and would not repeal it. Appel endorsed Senator Tom Harkin's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. On immigration, she has stated her support for increased border security and a pathway for citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States. On gun rights, Appel has stated that the gun-show loophole should be closed and that background checks should be required wherever a gun is purchased. On foreign policy, she has stated her opposition to Russia's incursions into Ukraine, though noted that "she said she doesn't hear Iowans talking much about foreign policy."[12]

Appel and her husband, Brent R. Appel.

Appel ran for an open congressional seat in Iowa's 3rd congressional district. Incumbent congressman Tom Latham retired.[13] She initially stated she would run for the seat, before announcing that she would not run, citing family obligations, then reversing her decision again to commit to the race.[14] She faced Republican nominee David Young in the general election.[15] David Young won the election with 52.8% of the vote to Appel's 42.2%.[16]

Appel was endorsed by EMILY's List,[17] a political action committee that supports pro-choice female Democrats, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.[18] The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added her to their jumpstart program, which provides financial support. Stuart Rothenberg of Roll Call rated the race a "Pure Toss Up".[19]

In May 2014, a Republican spokesperson accused Appel of plagiarizing text from another candidate's website, something her campaign manager said he takes responsibility for.[20]