DES MOINES, Iowa — The Libertarian candidate in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District has ended his campaign after suffering a medical emergency, prompting the state party to begin the process of selecting a replacement for the November election.

The Libertarian Party of Iowa said Marco Battaglia would no longer seek the seat but did not release details about his condition. Party members are scheduled to meet Sunday at a nominating convention to choose another candidate for the district.

Battaglia had also been challenging a decision that barred him from appearing on the 2026 ballot under that name. The State Objection Panel ruled this spring that he was ineligible because his legal name is Mark T. Andersen, though he has used Marco Battaglia professionally and in previous campaigns.

Iowa law allows political parties to replace candidates who withdraw by Aug. 14. The eventual Libertarian nominee would join Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn of Ankeny and Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone-Garriott of West Des Moines in the 3rd District race.