Iraq War veteran Jim Mowrer announced on Tuesday that he will challenge Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, in the 4th District.

Mowrer, a Democrat, struck a nonpartisan tone in his announcement for the GOP district. He also took subtle shots at King, who is known nationally and in Iowa as a conservative firebrand who often makes controversial comments.

“When I served in Iraq, there were no Democrats or Republicans — just Americans working together to protect our safety and stability,” Mowrer said in a news release. “In Congress, too many politicians are trying to score political points for partisan gain or pushing sound bytes to please their extreme base. I’ve decided to run for Congress to restore that true sense of public service.”

First elected in 2002, King has won re-election by comfortable margins in Iowa’s most conservative district.

Last cycle, King defeated Democrat and former Iowa first lady Christie Vilsack by 8 points in a nationally targeted race.

Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call rates this a Safe Republican contest.