Iowa political ad features woman with child endangerment conviction

A political advertisement released by the Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican super PAC, features Shellie Flockhart, a Dallas Center city councilwoman, describing Iowa Democratic House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott as “just plain dangerous” for children.

Reporting from The Washington Post reveals that Flockhart pleaded guilty to child endangerment and driving under the influence in 2017 after authorities stated she drove drunk with two of her children in the vehicle. Flockhart has previously acknowledged a history of addiction and stated she has undergone rehabilitation.

The ad targets Trone Garriott, who is running against incumbent Representative Zach Nunn in one of Iowa’s competitive House districts. A spokesperson for Trone Garriott characterized the advertisement as a desperate attempt to win the election through lies.