J.D. Scholten, a Democratic congressional candidate in Iowa, asserted Tuesday that there is a huge opportunity for 2020 Democrats to win over votes in rural America, particularly when it comes to issues like health care.

Scholten noted that Americans who live in rural areas struggle even to get access to medical care. According to the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, 162 rural hospitals have closed since 2005.

“The first thing is health care,” Scholten said. “Everyone is struggling with that in my district — the second-most agriculture-producing district in America and as such a rural district we have hospitals consolidating.”

“Farmers — they don’t have employer health insurance,” he added.

Scholten has publicly advocated for a universal health care approach with a gradual shift to "Medicare for all."

Health care has been a top issue in the Democratic presidential primary as candidates remain split over what shape the U.S. health care system should take.

Progressive Sens. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenWarren, Schumer introduce plan for next president to cancel ,000 in student debt The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon No new taxes for the ultra rich — fix bad tax policy instead MORE (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Why Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence MORE (I-Vt.) have backed Medicare for All, which would effectively do away with private insurance in favor of a government-run health care system.

Meanwhile, centrist candidates like former Vice President Joe Biden Joe BidenCast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response Biden tells CNN town hall that he has benefited from white privilege MORE and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration Overnight Defense: Woodward book causes new firestorm | Book says Trump lashed out at generals, told Woodward about secret weapons system | US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq A socially and environmentally just way to fight climate change MORE have instead expressed their support for expanding the existing health care system under the Affordable Care Act that was put in place during the Obama administration.

Scholten is currently running against Rep. Steve King Steven (Steve) Arnold KingGOP leader: 'There is no place for QAnon in the Republican Party' Loomer win creates bigger problem for House GOP Win by QAnon believer creates new headaches for House GOP MORE (R-Iowa) in Iowa’s 4th congressional district.

This marks his second bid against the nine-term incumbent after losing by just three percentage points in what is considered a heavily conservative district. The Iowa Democrat said he remains confident about his ability to defeat King should the Republican become the nominee.

“At a time right now in our district, in the second most agriculture-producing district in America, and we have 55,000 farmers with their backs against the wall, we need a leader in Washington,” he told Hill.TV.

Republican House leadership stripped King of all of committee assignments last year following a firestorm over remarks that sparked bipartisan condemnation. In an interview with the New York Times, King questioned why terms like “white nationalist” and “white supremacist” were considered offensive.

King has also faced criticism for doubling down on his assertion that rape and incest shouldn’t be factored into decisions concerning abortion.

In response to these comments, several House Republicans have sought to distance themselves from him, even throwing their support behind one of his Republican contenders, Rep. Paul Mitchell Paul MitchellGOP wants more vision, policy from Trump at convention Loomer win creates bigger problem for House GOP Lisa McClain wins Michigan GOP primary in race to replace Rep. Paul Mitchell MORE (R-Iowa).

—Tess Bonn