Rep. Zach Nunn‘s office returned our request for comment:
“Questions remain unanswered about where Marco Battaglia/Mark Anderson’s ballot access signatures came from, particularly after a fellow Iowa Libertarian admitted he never planned to run, had signatures delivered to him, and is being encouraged by Democrats to stay in the race. Who collected the signatures, who paid for them, and who delivered them are the questions Iowans deserve the answers to.”
– Nunn Campaign Spokesperson
Private calls with HHS Secretary Bobby Kennedy, pressure from Rep. Zach Nunn to drop out, and court challenges removing ballot access? Libertarian Candidate for US Congress, Marco Battaglia shares what was discussed on their phone calls, and the list of resources the GOP said they’d attempt should Battaglia not cave.
This isn’t the first time Battaglia has run for Congress, facing numerous legal challenges from the GOP, but the pressure this cycle was far greater. He discusses his side of the story, and why he his petition for judicial review in Polk County District Court will overturn State Objections Panel’s decision.
Marco Battaglia in the Studio with Justin Brady
Battaglia, legally named Mark Thomas Anderson, faces legal challenges to remove him from Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District ballot. Battaglia detailed how representative Zach Nunn and staffer Annie Kuhlie personally visited his home to issue an ultimatum regarding his candidacy. “Their ultimatum was that if I dropped out, it would be better for me and there’d be a different path that this could go on,” Battaglia stated, noting they offered a trip to Washington D.C. to work on election integrity with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Following his refusal, Battaglia received a phone call directly from Kennedy urging him to exit the race, citing fears of shifting the congressional seat to Democrats. “I don’t think your father or uncle would want me to drop out,” Battaglia recalled telling Kennedy during the exchange. Battaglia characterized the push as a “maximum pressure campaign” involving coordinated leaks to right-leaning media alleging dark-money support for his petition signatures.
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Seeking Judicial Review and Third-Party Impact
Battaglia has filed a petition in Polk County District Court to maintain his position on the ballot. Third-party status carries significant political weight, as reaching 2% in state elections or 5% federally unlocks major party status and access to over $100 million in federal funding pools. Battaglia, who previously earned over 2% of the vote on the Libertarian gubernatorial ticket with Rick Stewart, rejected calls to step aside. “District 3, you’re supposed to represent the people of the district, and I know from my own travels that they don’t feel represented,” Battaglia said. Should judicial review fail, Battaglia plans to pursue alternative ballot routes or seek the Libertarian presidential nomination alongside Joe Jorgensen.