Joe Mitchell faces scrutiny over leaked 2017 video

Republican congressional candidate Joe Mitchell, running in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, is facing scrutiny following the release of a leaked video recorded in 2017. The footage, reportedly filmed while Mitchell was a 19-year-old student at Drake University, shows him making crude racial remarks and vulgar comments regarding manhood.

In the video, Mitchell is heard making statements such as “I don’t like Black women!” and “I don’t like 'f***ing white people, ok?'” while discussing his preferences regarding race and children. He also reportedly challenged others to contests involving their manhood.

Mitchell, now 29, has not disputed the authenticity of the footage. He responded by stating that he has since “grown up” and has found “better friends” since his college years. His attorney has attributed the leak to “political foes” attempting to damage his campaign.

Mitchell is running for an open U.S. House seat against Democrat Lindsay James. He has received endorsements from Donald Trump and Turning Point Action, with the Cook Political Report currently rating the race as a toss-up.