Travis Terrell
Travis Terrell | |
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ottumwa, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Website | terrellforcongress.com |
Travis Terrell is an American progressive political candidate, activist, and former mixed martial arts (MMA) competitor. He is currently running for the United States House of Representatives in Iowa's 1st congressional district in the 2026 United States House of Representatives elections.
Background
[edit]Terrell was born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa. He has spent most of his working life in blue-collar jobs, including positions in restaurants, call centers, meatpacking plants, and hospitals. In addition to his work, Terrell also competed in mixed martial arts, participating in over 10 amateur and professional fights.[1]
He often speaks about the influence of his mother, whom he describes as the hardest-working person he knows. After suffering a back injury on the job, she was forced into retirement but had to return to the workforce, where she is still working today well into her 70s. Despite her pain and exhaustion, she remains a constant presence in her grandchildren's lives.
Politics
[edit]Terrell announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026, running in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District as a Democrat. His campaign centers on working-class issues, including Medicare expansion, wage reform, campaign finance overhaul, immigration protections, and a strengthened labor movement.
Running a grassroots campaign without corporate donations, Terrell has framed his bid as a movement to return political power to everyday Iowans. He has gained attention for his direct, populist speaking style and his willingness to challenge both Republican and Democratic establishment figures.
References
[edit]- ^ "Travis Terrell". Sherdog.