First Balkan Media speaks with Republican congressional nominee Joe Mitchell about entering politics at a young age, his experience in the Trump administration, his connection with the American Balkan Trade Center, and the contributions of Balkan immigrants to Iowa’s communities and economy.
At an age when many people are still deciding on their professional path, Joe Mitchell was already making history in Iowa politics. Elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2018, he became the youngest person ever elected to the state legislature, beginning his service in 2019 at just 21 years old.
Today, Mitchell is a business owner, real estate developer and the Republican nominee for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District in the November 3, 2026, general election. He won the Republican primary on June 2 and is campaigning for an open seat previously held by U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
First Balkan Media had the opportunity to speak with Mitchell about his early entry into politics, what motivates him to serve, and why he believes immigrant communities and small-business owners should have a voice in government.
Entering Politics at a Young Age
For Mitchell, becoming involved in politics at such an early age was not simply about pursuing a career in public service. It was also about understanding how government decisions affect people working in every industry.
Asked by First Balkan Media what it is like to become involved in politics so young, Mitchell described the experience as a journey that has taught him the importance of relationships, public engagement and understanding how government works.
“Well, it’s an interesting experience. You know, it’s a journey, and I’ve enjoyed it very much,” he said.
Mitchell explained that his background in construction and real estate helped him recognize the connection between business and government.
“No matter what industry you’re in — transportation, trucking, whether you’re an attorney, whether you’re an engineer, teacher — the government is involved with what you do, licensing, the taxes, the regulations, to compliance,” he said.
His conclusion is that people cannot afford to remain disconnected from the decisions affecting their professions and communities.
“You have to get involved. You have to have relationships at every level, state, local, federal, every single level you have to hit. You got to have those relationships there. Build that network. And so you can actually have a say at the table when things are going good or going bad.”
Mitchell served in the Iowa House from 2019 to 2023, rising to the position of Assistant Majority Leader and serving on several committees dealing with commerce, government administration, the judiciary and taxation. After leaving the legislature, he became a resident fellow at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics, joined President Donald Trump’s transition team and subsequently held positions in the federal government, including Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Great Plains Region.
His path from state legislator to federal housing official reflects a career that has combined business experience with public service.
The Race for Congress: “We Got to Win in November”
Mitchell is now seeking to take that experience to Washington as the Republican nominee in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.
During a campaign appearance in Cedar Rapids, Mitchell received support from President Donald Trump. At the event, Mitchell presented Trump with a Man of the Century award.
With Election Day approaching on November 3, First Balkan Media asked Mitchell what he expects from the election.
“We got to win in November 3rd. We’re going to need every last vote we can get to make sure that we win this competitive election,” Mitchell said.
The race is one of the contests drawing attention in Iowa ahead of the midterm elections, with Mitchell facing Democratic nominee Lindsay James, along with independent and Libertarian candidates.
For Mitchell, the campaign is an opportunity to bring his experience in business and government to the federal level.
Building Bridges With the Balkan-American Community
Mitchell is also an honorary member of the American Balkan Trade Center (ABTC), an organization focused on strengthening relationships between American and Balkan businesses and communities.
The connection brings him into contact with entrepreneurs, business leaders and community members whose experiences reflect the contribution of immigrants to the American economy.
Speaking about his involvement with the organization, Mitchell praised the people he has met through its events and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and job creation.
“I got to do a bunch of different events like this, all kinds of different experiences and meet a lot of new people. Great people that are making this country awesome,” he said.
He continued by emphasizing the role of business owners in building stronger communities.
“And so they’re building businesses and employing people. And again, what I talked about on stage, they’re making progress. We always want to make progress. We always want to move forward. And that’s what they’re doing here tonight with the American Balkan Trade Center.”
For the American Balkan Trade Center, bringing together public officials and Balkan-American entrepreneurs creates opportunities for dialogue, professional connections and a better understanding of the challenges facing businesses and immigrant communities.
A Message to Balkan Immigrants in Iowa
One of the key topics in the First Balkan Media interview was the Balkan-American community in Iowa, particularly the immigrants who came to the state to build businesses, raise families and pursue the American Dream.
Cedar Rapids, the largest city in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, has a significant connection to Eastern European immigrant history and is home to people whose family backgrounds span different parts of Europe.
Asked what he would say to Balkan immigrants who have built their lives and businesses in Iowa, Mitchell praised their work ethic and contributions.
“Folks that have immigrated over here and started businesses and families. And so we just appreciate their hard work and ethic that they’ve brought to this country,” he said.
Mitchell also spoke about the importance of building relationships between immigrant communities, local leaders and elected officials.
He noted that many Balkan Americans live in Cedar Rapids, IA. For business owners and community members seeking to make their voices heard, Mitchell encouraged direct engagement with elected representatives.
“We gotta have their support. To get plugged in, educate your local and state representatives, your city council members, your congressman, congresswoman, governor, U.S. senators,” he said.
He encouraged entrepreneurs to explain what they do, the value their businesses bring to the economy and the contributions they make to their communities.
“Educate them on what you do, what your business is, the value that you bring to this country and to your communities and just get your story across.”
His message was straightforward: participation in civic life does not end with voting. Building relationships with public officials and communicating the needs of local businesses can also help communities take part in the decisions that affect their future.
Looking Ahead to a Visit to the Balkans
To conclude the interview, First Balkan Media asked Mitchell whether he had ever visited the Balkans.
He had not yet made the trip, but he was enthusiastic about the possibility.
“I haven’t, but I’m looking forward to it. I told Phil he’s got to take me,” he said with a smile.
A future visit would give Mitchell an opportunity to experience the region’s culture, meet its people and learn more about the countries and communities represented by the American Balkan Trade Center.
For now, his relationship with Balkan Americans continues through business events, community connections and conversations about entrepreneurship, public service and the American Dream.
As the November 3 congressional election approaches, Mitchell’s message to the Balkan-American community is clear: build relationships, share your story and make sure your voice is heard.
First Balkan Media will continue highlighting the people and organizations connecting American and Balkan communities through business, public service and cultural exchange.
