Legislative Bios

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Finding Your Legislators:

If you don't know which legislators represent your school district, look them up. Visit https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find?district=, and pick your school district name from the drop-down list. You can then click on the legislator's name in the search results to see their photo, phone number, email, and mailing address.

 

2023/2024 Session Legislative Bios:


State Representative District 01    J.D. Scholten    Democrat Party   jd.scholten@legis.iowa.gov

J.D. Scholten was born in Iowa and raised in Sioux City, graduating high school here and attending Morningside College, where he played college baseball for his father who was the Head Coach. J.D. transferred for his Senior year to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he led the Cornhuskers in earned run average on the College World Series bound team. After graduating, J.D. played professionally for the Sioux City Explorers and in seven countries— including the U.S., Canada, Belgium, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Cuba. After retiring from baseball, J.D. worked as a paralegal.

In 2018, J.D. ran for Congress in Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District. He ran a creative, grassroots campaign that drew national attention for demonstrating how Democrats can compete in rural areas. In 2020, he ran again and took the campaign RV to all 374 towns in the district and was one of the few non-incumbent Democratic candidates to outperform the top of the ticket. J.D. is committed to fighting for areas that get left behind and wants to take that fight to the Iowa House. 


State Representative District 02    Robert Henderson   Republican Party   robert.henderson@legis.iowa.gov

Robert Henderson was born in Muncy, Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor's degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1971, a master's degree from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1973, and a Ph.D. from State University of New York at Albany in 1984. Henderson's professional experience includes being an adjunct professor of mathematics, a university football coach, and a musician. He has been affiliated with the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Siouxland, the Titus Fellowship of Siouxland, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the American Football Coaches Association.


State Representative District 03    Tom Jeneary   Republican Party   tom.jeneary@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving first term in House.

Profession: Retired dentist and funeral director.

Education: Graduated from West Liberty High School. Received a B.A. from University of Iowa. Graduated from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science and University of Iowa College of Dentistry.

Memberships and Activities: Former Vice Chair, Iowa Board of Dental Examiners. Member, American Dental Association, Iowa Dental Association, Northwest Iowa Dental Association, Le Mars Sportsman’s Club, Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Triangle Masonic Lodge 643. Deacon and member, Presbyterian United Church of Christ. Fly fisherman and pheasant hunter.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1952 in Des Moines. Resides in Le Mars.

Family Members: Wife, Pam; two sons.


State Representative District 04     Skyler Wheeler   Republican Party    skyler.wheeler@legis.iowa.gov

Skyler Wheeler was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in 2016, winning a three-way primary and defeating an independent opponent in the general election. At the time of his swearing in, Skyler was the youngest member of the Iowa General Assembly at just 23 years of age. Skyler was re-elected in 2018 without an opponent and defeated a Democrat opponent in the 2020 election by the biggest margin in the state for a legislative race. 

Since taking office, Skyler has championed a number of key issues. Skyler has championed the defense of innocent and unborn life, the expansion of our Second Amendment rights, the integrity of our elections by passing Voter ID laws, tax cuts in both 2018 and 2022, a conservative budget, and parental control and choice in education. Skyler has regularly scored at the top of the list for conservatives in the House and has been named as the most conservative in the House as well (according to the American Conservative Union and Club for Growth Foundation). 

Skyler graduated from Northwestern College in Orange City in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He is the first male in his family’s history to have graduated college. Skyler came to Northwestern on a baseball scholarship, where he set four records and earned a Gold Glove winner and First Team All-GPAC First Baseman. 

Skyler works on a part-time basis for Hope Haven, and he is the Head Baseball Coach at Unity Christian High School in Orange City. Skyler chairs the Sioux County Republican Party and has been involved in many local groups and organizations since taking office in 2017. Skyler and Jess married during college in 2014. Together they have two children, Addie (3) and Stetson (1), and are expecting their third child in September. The Wheeler Family attends Tabernacle Baptist Church in George and is in the process of selling their home in Orange City and moving to Hull or Sioux Center. 


State Representative District 05    Zachary Dieken   Republican Party    zachary.dieken@legis.iowa.gov

An Iowa State Trooper from Granville has announced his candidacy for the Iowa Legislature.

Republican Zach Dieken has announced his candidacy for Iowa State House, District 5. That district is comprised of O’Brien, Osceola and parts of Cherokee and Buena Vista counties. Dieken is an Iowa State Trooper who has worked in law enforcement for 10 years.

Dieken says that, as a state trooper and substitute teacher, he cares deeply for our communities and the future of this great state. Dieken says within the last two years we have seen our freedoms eroded away by an intrusive government. He says now more than ever we must stand up for what is right and stand up for ourselves.

Dieken says he will be a much-needed conservative voice for Northwest Iowans, who will defend the lives of the innocent preborn babies, champion 2nd Amendment rights and center parental rights in education.

With over 60 million babies murdered in the womb in the name of ‘choice’, gun rights under attack and parents concerned with radical indoctrination of their kids being labeled ‘domestic terrorists’, Dieken says we need courageous, Christian, conservatives in the state legislature to stop overreach from the federal government whose Washington values, he says, are diametrically opposed to the values of the voters in Iowa House District 5.

Dieken states that, as a state trooper he has already taken an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution and will continue to do so as your House District 5 state representative.


State Representative District 06    Megan Jones    Republican Party    megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving fourth term in House.

Profession: Farmwife and mom.

Education: Degree in law, politics, and society (LPS) from Drake University and J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law.

Memberships and Activities: Member of Spencer Daybreakers Kiwanis, Farm Bureau, and Keep Iowa Beautiful.

Birth and Residence: Born in Harlan. Resides on the family farm in southern Clay County.

Family Members: Husband, Will; two sons and one daughter.


State Representative District 07    Mike Sexton    Republican Party   mike.sexton@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving third term in House. Served one term in the Senate.

Profession: Founder/owner of Real Time Ag, LLC, and fourth-generation Iowa farmer.

Education: Graduated from Rockwell City High School. Received A.A.S. in ag business from Iowa Lakes Community College.

Memberships and Activities: Served on the following boards: South Central Calhoun School Board, Iowa Association of School Boards, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, First Presbyterian Church Board, NPPC Environmental Committee, and Calhoun County Farm Bureau Board.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1961 in Fort Dodge. Raised and resides near Rockwell City.

Family Members: Wife, Becky; four sons, one daughter, and 10 grandchildren.


State Representative District 08    Ann Meyer    Republican Party    ann.meyer@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving first term in House.

Profession: Registered nurse; serves on health care advisory boards.

Education: Received B.S. in nursing from University of Detroit Mercy.

Memberships and Activities: Member of Iowa Central Community College Simulation Center Advisory Board and First Presbyterian Church.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1965 in Redford, Michigan. Resides in Fort Dodge.

Family Members: Husband, Jim; one son.


State Representative District 09    Henry Stone    Republican Party    henry.stone@legis.state.ia.us

I'm so proud to represent our district here in North Iowa.  Many of the people I meet are proud of their jobs and the lives they've created.  Time spent with family, friends grandkids and their pets means the world to everyone and that's the community that my family and I have grown to love!

As a retired 22 year veteran of the Air Force, I love and cherish our country and everything it stands for.  So many men and women have come before me and have protected our rights and I don't plan on letting them down.  Our Constitution is the greatest man-made document ever produced!  It's timeless and rock-solid.  I will never give up defending it and those it protects.

As a longtime high school and college football coach, I understand the importance of a quality education as well as continuing on to higher education once you graduate high school.  I have been brought to tears by many parents who watch their sons walk across the stage with their college diploma and tell me that they're the first in the family to get a college degree.  Those are humbling moments that I carry with me always.  A quality education, no matter the age or grade, should not be denied from a child.  

While I continue to represent our district, I make a solemn promise to always listen and be available to everyone.  I will always fight for our rights and freedoms and vow to work hard to do right by everyone in my district and around Iowa.  As a servant of the people, I owe it to each and every resident of Iowa to remain humble and approachable.


State Representative District 10    John Wills   Republican Party    john.wills@legis.iowa.gov

John is Northwest Iowa born and raised, and his track record as a conservative leader in the Iowa House reflects his roots. After growing up in Sibley and graduating from Sibley Community High School, he traveled a bit outside of House District One to attend Northwestern College. While there, he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He continued his education at American Military University and earned two master’s degrees in Political Science with an emphasis in National Defense and Environmental Policy and Management.

​John and his wife Cami have been married since 2010. Cami is an accountant for a home remodeling business in Spirit Lake. They have three kids, Seth, Wesley, who live in Omaha, and Mariah who lives in Spencer. In addition to their human kids, they have two dogs, Ashland and Liberty, who enjoy hunting with John.

John retired from the military as a First Sergeant after 25 years of service. He spent several tours of duty deployed in Iraq, Egypt, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Germany as an infantryman and calvary scout.

​John’s life has been dedicated to service, and now he is working on behalf of Iowans. He has been representing District One in the “People’s House” since 2015 and is currently the candidate for House District Ten. In 2020, John was elected to serve as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Iowa House. He also served as a House Assistant Leader from 2015-2018 and as the Majority Whip in 2019. Outside of his leadership roles, he also sits on Administration and Rules, Agriculture, Appropriations, Education, and Veterans Affairs committees as well as the Legislative Council.

​To network with leaders from other states and learn from professionals in the field, John served on the Council of State Governments (CSG) National Executive Committee and is currently involved with the Boway Institute of Legislative Learning (BILLD). He is also on the Legislative Leaders Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors and is the state chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

​When not in Des Moines, John can be found working and enjoying the amazing Iowa Great Lakes region. He works with the Iowa Great Lakes Watershed Project and Clean Water Alliance where he helps landowners voluntarily improve their properties and land to conserve the state’s natural resources. His role includes communicating, coordinating, funding and educating people about water quality projects.

​Some of John’s hobbies are hunting, fishing, hiking, landscaping, and boating. He is a member of Pheasants Forever in Osceola County and the State Pheasants Forever Council. He is also involved in the district with the Friends of Lakeside Lab, the Veterans of Foreign War, and is a past President of the Okoboji Protective Association.


State Representative District 11    Brian Best    Republican Party    Brian.best@legis.iowa.gov

Brian Best was born South of Glidden, IA, and as of December 2019, lives in Glidden. He graduated from Glidden-Ralston High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science from the University of Northern Iowa. Best received received a degree as a Certified Respiratory Therapist in 1991 and has worked in the medical field since 1984. Best's career experience includes working as the owner of Bestmed Respiratory and Western Iowa Sleep. He was also on the board of Glidden Planning and Zoning.


State Representative District 12    Steven Holt    Republican Party    steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving third term in House.

Profession: Retired small business owner. Retired First Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps.

Education: Graduated from Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg, South Carolina. U.S. Marine Corps Leadership Schools include Advanced Infantry Training, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Academy, Advanced Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Academy, Jungle Environment Survival Training School (JEST), Tactics, Jungle Warfare, Desert Warfare, Cold Weather Training, and Drill Instructor School.

Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps, 20 years.

Memberships and Activities: Member of Chamber and Development Council of Crawford County, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Denison Community Theatre, and Grace Evangelical Free Church.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1958 in Greenville, South Carolina. Raised in Greenville and resides in Denison.

Family Members: Wife, Crystal; five children.


State Representative District 13    Ken Carlson    Republican Party    ken.carlson@legis.iowa.gov

CARLSON SAYS HE IS A CONSTITUTIONAL CONSERVATIVE, COMMITTED TO PROTECTING IOWANS RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES.

THAT INCLUDES DEFENDING THE UNBORN AND PROTECTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT.
HE WAS BORN AND RAISED OUTSIDE OF WHITING AND IS A RECENTLY RETIRED SMALL BUSINESSMAN AND FARMER OF 37 YEARS.


State Representative District 14    Jacob Bossman    Republican Party    jacob.bossman@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving second term in House.

Profession: Regional Director, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley.

Education: Received B.S. in economics from Morningside College.

Memberships and Activities: Member of 100+ Men Who Care, Morningside College Alumni Board, and Redeemer Lutheran Church. Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Siouxland and Siouxland Youth for Christ. YMCA youth soccer coach.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1980 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Resides in the Morningside area of Sioux City.

Family Members: Wife, Carmen; two children.


State Representative District 15    Matt Windschitl   Republican Party    matt.windschitl@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving seventh term in House.

Profession: Works for Doll Distributing in Council Bluffs.

Education: Home schooled. Attended college for gunsmithing at Colorado School of Trades.

Military Service: Enlisted in U.S. Marine Corps in 2001. Served one tour in Iraq in 2005. Honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2009.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1983 in Marshalltown. Resides in Missouri Valley.

Family Members: Wife, Ivelisse; two daughters.


State Representative District 16    David Sieck     Republican Party    david.sieck@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving third term in House.

Profession: Farmer and real estate salesperson.

Education: Attended Glenwood High School, Iowa Western Community College, and Iowa State University.

Memberships and Activities: Current member of Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee and Responsible River Management. Ex-officio member of the Mills County Economic Development Foundation. Past positions include president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, director of Western Iowa Energy, director of Southwest Iowa Renewable Energy, and various committee assignments on the National Corn Growers Association and U.S. Grains Council.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1957 in Council Bluffs. Raised in Council Bluffs and resides in Glenwood.

Family Members: Wife Kim; three children.


State Representative District 17    Devon Wood     Republican Party    devon.wood@legis.iowa.gov

A 2015 Shenandoah High School graduate, Wood also graduated from Simpson College, where she served as chair of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans, and chair of the Simpson College Republicans, and clerked in the Iowa House for former State Representatives Clel Baudler and Mary Ann Hanusa--who is now running for state auditor. Currently living in New Market, Wood also serves as a board member on the Iowa Nursing Home Administrators Board. Growing up, she worked on her family's farm and livestock auction business. Speaking on KMA's "Morning Line" program Monday morning, Wood says she decided to run for the seat vacated by Cecil Dolecheck's retirement because she believes she can put her legislative clerk and agriculture experience to use at the Statehouse.

"I don't think that you can take for granted growing up on a farm, growing up in the small town communities, and really living right here in the area, and knowing those people, knowing what they face," said Wood. "Like I said, I grew up on the family farm, and we owned a business, so I understand what our business community folks are going through when it comes to certain legislation, and bills, and regulations. I also understand what our agriculture folks are going through."

Wood says she supported the Iowa Legislature's passing of a 3.9% flat tax rate phased in by 2026. And, she supports more tax relief in order to help Iowans financially.

"One of the things I want to do in the legislature is definitely hold the line on those taxes," she said. "We have to be diligent on how we're spending Iowans' money. It's their money, and we have to make sure we are using it in the most efficient and appropriate manner."

Wood is also an enthusiastic supporter of Governor Kim Reynolds' proposed school scholarship program, which would provide funding for up to 10,000 qualified students statewide to attend private schools. She says the proposal would help at least two parochial schools in the new 17th House district.

"I'm excited to be a supporter of that bill," said Wood, "because those dollars can be used to attend extra classes. Those dollars can be used for a variety of extra educational resources for families, whether it's a private tutor, or whether it's choosing to go to a different school. The bottom line is what's best for our parent and our child is always the best practice."


State Representative District 18    Tom Moore     Republican Party   tom.moore@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving third term in House.

Profession: Retired teacher and coach. Retired assistant manager, Southwest Iowa Egg Cooperative.

Education: Graduated from Grinnell-Newburg Community Schools, Westmar College, and Northwest Missouri State University.

Memberships and Activities: Member of IHSAA Officials Hall of Fame. Youth sports officiating.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1952 in Grinnell. Resides in Griswold.

Family Members: Wife, Jewell; two daughters, one son, and two grandsons.


State Representative District 19     Brent Siegrist    Republican Party   brent.siegrist@legis.iowa.gov

Birth: September 30, 1952, Council Bluffs. Parents: Robert and Nancy Siegrist. Education: Graduated St. Albert High School; B.A., (Social Science) Dana College, Blair, Nebraska, 1974; currently working on Masters Degree in Public Adm. at Iowa State University. Spouse: Valerie. Children: 1 daughter, Harriet; 1 son, Evan. Profession and Activities: High school government teacher and coach for 18 years. Currently manager of special projects for Valley Corp. in Bettendorf. Member: Bluffs Arts Council, Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteers Program, Advisory Board of the Southwest Iowa Regents Graduate Resource Center. Assistant minority leader, 73rd and 74th General Assembly. Majority leader, 75th, 76th, 77th, and 78th General Assembly. Serving ninth term in House.


State Representative District 20    Josh Turek   Democrat Party   josh.turek@legis.iowa.gov

Josh was born and raised in Council Bluffs in a working-class family, and has lived in the city for most of his life. Raised in a "basketball family," Josh and two of his siblings went on to play basketball professionally. Josh was born with spina bifida and has been a wheelchair user and an advocate of adaptive sports for the disability community since childhood.

 After graduating from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, Josh continued his basketball career at Southwest Minnesota State University where he was the most prolific scorer in the program’s history and earned a degree in History in 2002. He later earned an MBA from Keller University. Josh has been inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at Abraham Lincoln and Southwest Minnesota State University.

Josh proudly represented the United States at four Paralympics and is a three-time medalist (two golds and one bronze), most recently bringing home gold from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. He spent his basketball career playing professionally in Europe. 

Josh has always strived to give back to the places that have given him so much. While playing professional basketball, Josh began as the Volunteer Director for the Ryan Martin Foundation, an organization providing children with disabilities opportunities to play sports for free. This past year, he was appointed to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association's High Performance Committee. He currently works full-time at Numotion, a company that provides mobility devices and complex rehab technology to people with disabilities.

Josh lives in Council Bluffs with his wife, Jarolin. Jarolin is an immigrant and the couple has a bilingual, multi-cultural household.


State Representative District 21    Brooke Boden     Republican Party   brooke.boden@legis.iowa.gov

I am a life-long resident of Warren County and take pride in my family’s roots in the community. As a small Business Owner, a licensed Insurance Agent and a Certified Repairman through the Federal Aviation Administration. I understand the dedication and hard work it takes to get people together and get the job done.

I am incredibly honored to represent District 26 at the State House. I will listen to the people I serve and make sure their voices are heard in Des Moines. I am committed to bringing common sense, honesty, and a strong work ethic back to state government for the people of Warren County. I want to ensure that Iowa's future is bright for our next generations that is why I will work hard for you everyday and help hold state government accountable and transparent to the people of Iowa.

My husband, Adam and I, reside in Indianola with our children. We have two daughters and one son and we are proud to call Iowa our home.


State Representative District 22    Stan Gustafson     Republican Party    stan.gustafson@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fourth term in House.

Profession: 

Retired attorney and lieutenant colonel with U.S. Marine Corps.

Education: 

Graduated from Placer High School in Auburn, California. Received B.S. in finance from the University of California at Berkeley, and J.D. from South Bay University School of Law, California.

Military Service: 

U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

Memberships and Activities: 

Participated in numerous veteran activities in Iowa and California.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1942 in Washington, D.C. Resides in Cumming.

Family Members: 

Wife, Betty; three children and 10 grandchildren.


State Representative District 23    Ray Sorensen    Republican Party    ray.sorensen@legis.iowa.gov

Ray Sorensen was born in Creston, Iowa and raised in Fontanelle, Iowa. Ray was given the nickname "Bubba" by his dad, as he was a chubby baby, and the name stuck. Bubba grew up playing sports, showing cattle and drawing. His love for artwork carried into a career as a Graphic Designer and a mural artist.

In 1999, after seeing the movie "Saving Private Ryan", Bubba was inspired to paint a thank you to our Veterans on a large 12ft tall boulder (dubbed the Freedom Rock®). Since then, he has voluntarily painted a different unique thank you on that rock each May (for Memorial Day) since.

In 2007, Bubba married his wife Maria (Galanakis) and they shortly after (2008) started their business, Sorensen Studios.

In 2013, Bubba and Maria started the Freedom Rock® Tour with the goal of putting one in all 99 counties in Iowa. Bubba has now completed all 99 Freedom Rocks® (as of Sept '21) and will finish a 100th in Iowa, as well as, painting various other mural including Freedom Rocks® in other states.

In 2011, they welcomed their first child, Independence (Indie), in 2014, they welcome the birth of their second child, Michael (Mikey), named after my Dad and Great-Grandpa, and number 3 came in 2021, when Liberty (too many nicknames to list) was born. With the addition of Liberty, we decided - patriotic names for girls, family names for the boys.

Bubba has many accomplishments including many awards for his work and dedication to Veterans through his artwork. From his George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, to being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher in 2005, to being named Outstanding Young Iowan by the Iowa Jaycees in 2007 and receiving a Commander's Award for Public Service from Major General Timothy Orr, and being inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019. Bubba has always longed to serve his community and especially for our Veterans who serve our country.

Bubba won the General Election in 2018 and again in 2020, and now after census re-districting, Bubba has been elected for his third term in the newly drawn Iowa House District 23, that includes all of Adair and Madison Counties, as well as, portions of Dallas, Clarke and Union counties. So if you live in these areas, Representative Sorensen looks forward to being your voice at our Capitol!


State Representative District 24     Joel Fry     Republican Party    Joel.Fry@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fifth term in House.

Profession: 

Therapist, speaker, health care consultant, and college professor. President of TEAM Restoration Ministries based in Osceola. Lecturer faculty at Simpson College and past adjunct faculty at the University of Iowa School of Social Work. Lectures and consults nationally on hospice and palliative care issues.

Education: 

Received B.A. from Simpson College and M.S.W. and Aging Studies Certificate from the University of Iowa School of Social Work.

Memberships and Activities: 

Serves on HCI Care Services Advisory Board, Osceola. Past co-chair of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa’s Education Committee and Social Work Peer Group. Served on numerous national committees relating to hospice and palliative care. Past member of the National Peer Grant Review Committee with the American Cancer Society. Past board member and board chair of the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa and Warren County Christian School (Victory Christian Academy) Board of Directors.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1974 in Des Moines. Raised in Osceola and resides in rural Clarke County.

Family Members: 

Wife, Heather; six sons and three daughters.


State Representative District 25    Hans Wilz     Republican Party   hans.wilz@legis.iowa.gov

I want to represent district 25 because it is my home, and it has been my home for more than 50 years. My mother and father were GERMAN immigrants in the 1950’s and made Ottumwa there home. Not only for our Family but our family businesses. I have a Lovely Wife (a Minnesota transplant) of nearly 30 years and 2 sons Andreas and Marcus. All of which want to support me in this endeavor. I have always enjoyed helping out in our community whether it by volunteering for events or sitting on committees. It has been humbling and a great learning experience. 

My businesses have taken me all over the world and given me a great prospective.  One thing I have learned is that you are only as good as your inputs to get a quality output.  I have spent over 30 years building businesses for myself and others. Along the way I have learned how to listen, problem solve, and find solutions. I want to take these skills with me to the house. 


State Representative District 26    Austin Harris   Republican Party    austin.harris@legis.iowa.gov

I was born and raised on my family’s farm in Moulton, Iowa. I spent my summers and weekends doing chores, feeding and working cattle, fixing fences, and doing any job that needed to be done.

After high school, instead of staying on the farm or going to a university, I decided I want to make a difference in our state by getting involved in politics. Over the years I worked on campaigns to help elect conservative candidates up and down the ballot.

In 2017, I worked for President Trump in his administration at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There, I was assigned to the Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Agency where I was tasked with finding ways to stop fraud, cut spending, and streamline the bureaucracy.

Recently, I served as deputy chief of staff to Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks and helped lead the fight to stop House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from stealing her election and overturning the will of the people of Iowa.

But of all the jobs I’ve had, the most informative and valuable work I’ve done was on my family’s farm.

It was there where I learned the value of a dollar, the importance of working hard, and that when there is a job to do – there is work to be done.

Listening, working together, and treating one another with respect is how we do things in Iowa. Sadly, the radical left has abandoned those ideals.

They have chosen cancellation and censorship over debate and engagement.

They believe that inflation is transitory and that our local law enforcement is inherently racist.

They believe that the government should be involved in every aspect of our lives but yet, parents shouldn’t be involved in their own kid’s education.

Now more than ever, we need leaders in Des Moines that not only know how to fight for the people of Iowa but win those tough fights.

Over the last eight years, I’ve been doing exactly that. I’ve worked to elect conservative candidates up and down the ballot, worked for and fought for President Trump in his administration, and helped lead the fight to stop Nancy Pelosi from stealing an election.

Now, I am running for the Iowa House of Representatives to fight for the people of southern Iowa.

I’m running to:

  • Alleviate the pinch Iowans are feeling from inflation and supply chain issues by cutting taxes and attracting new businesses to southern Iowa,
  • Support our local law enforcement by ensuring they have the funding, resources, and training they need to keep our citizens safe,
  • Empower parents to be involved in their kid’s education by passing a “Parents’ Bill of Rights,”
  • Grow our local workforce by attracting new residents to our state to fill the good paying jobs that are open today,
  • Protect innocent life by passing a state constitutional amendment that guarantees the right to life.

If I’m given this opportunity, I will owe this privilege to no one but the people of House District 26. No politician, no donor, and no special interest group will control my vote or influence my commitment to the constituents I represent.

I ask you for your vote and your support in the June 7 primary. And make no mistake about it, I will fight and win for the people of southern Iowa!


State Representative District 27    Kenan Judge         Democrat Party    kenan.judge@legis.iowa.gov

My name is Kenan Judge and I am your Representative in District 27. This includes Waukee and parts of Clive.

​My wife, Kathi, and I have been married for 39 years and have raised four daughters who all graduated from Waukee High School. Kathi and I are both retired and enjoy spending time with family, gardening and volunteering for a number of organizations around the area including the Waukee Area Christian Services. 

​Growing up, my parents always instilled a foundation of fairness, ethics, and hard work. Those qualities have served me well and I am looking forward to bringing more of that to the state house as your representative. I promise that if re-elected, I will listen to your ideas and be a representative that you can be proud of.


State Representative District 28    David Young    Republican Party    david.young@legis.iowa.gov

“I look forward to working for my fellow Iowans and creating new opportunities for them by strengthening our schools and economy, maintaining fiscal discipline with a balanced budget, supporting our law enforcement, and protecting our freedoms and liberties,” he continued.

“Iowans know the value of government accountability, empowering people, common sense solutions, and plain old hard work.  I will bring those qualities and more to the table and I look forward to being a strong advocate and delivering positive results for the people of southeast Dallas County in the Iowa House of Representatives,” Young added.

Young served as U.S. Congressman for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District from 2015-2019. He lost re-election to a third term to his Democratic challenger, Cindy Axne, in 2018 by 49.3 percent to 47.1 percent, a margin of 7,709 votes. Young lost to U.S. Rep. Axne again in a closer rematch in 2020 – 48.9 percent to 47.5 percent with 6,208 votes separating the two.

Before serving in the U.S.Congress, Young served Iowans as Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley from 2006-2013.

Young is a seventh generation Iowan and was born and raised in Van Meter where he resides today. Young graduated from Johnston High School and Drake University.  


State Representative District 29    Brian Meyer    Democrat Party    brian.meyer@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fourth term in House.

Profession: 

Lawyer, former Assistant Iowa Attorney General, and former Assistant Polk County Attorney.

Education: 

Graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, the University of Northern Iowa, and Drake University Law School.

Military Service: 

Iowa National Guard.

Memberships and Activities: 

Served on Des Moines City Council for seven years. Served on the City of Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1973 in Dubuque. Raised in Dubuque and resides in Des Moines.

Family Members: 

Wife, Ann; two daughters.


State Representative District 30    Megan Srinivas   Democrat Party    megan.srinivas@legis.iowa.gov

Megan is an Iowa  native and local doctor based in Des Moines. She was raised in small town Iowa and graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High.  Megan went on to receive undergraduate and graduate degrees from Harvard University and her medical degree with a certificate in teaching from the University of Iowa’s Carver College of Medicine.  She completed her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and infectious disease fellowship at the University of North Carolina.  Her roots in Iowa drove her to return home to improve health care in her community.

Megan has always prioritized making Iowa a better place to live. Megan was appointed by Governor Vilsack to serve as the first student representative on the Iowa State Board of Education. She also started and led Presents of Hope for 10 years, a community effort focused on providing essential items as well as holiday presents to children and women in the YWCA homeless shelter and the domestic abuse shelter. During the fall of 2020, Megan chaired Iowa’s Biden-Harris COVID Response Council.

DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY

Megan is an infectious disease physician who is contracted with Broadlawns Medical Center and works remotely for the University of North Carolina School for Medicine. She works with Iowa Primary Care Association (PCA) to improve access to Hepatitis C treatment throughout the state. She also serves on the Iowa Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission and sits on the board of the Iowa chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI Iowa).


State Representative District 31    Mary Madison     Democrat Party    mary.madison@legis.iowa.gov

Reverend Mary is an Ordained Minister, School Counselor, Educator, and Community Volunteer. She and her husband Dr. L. Keith Madison have called West Des Moines home for the last twenty-one years. The proud parents of three adult children and one delightful granddaughter.

Mary Madison has strong beliefs in the rights embedded in the humanity of every person: I believe voting is a fundamental right for all citizens of this great country of ours.

There is much to do.
This is where I would like to start as your representative:

I plan to engage the community in listening sessions. Learning and bringing the issues of importance to you, my neighbors into the legislative work I plan to do.

Let’s be clear that West Des Moines is a great place to call home! Celebrating our diversity and shared values will only continue to make all of Iowa a great place to live!


State Representative District 32    Jennifer Konfrst     Democrat Party    jennifer.konfrst@legis.iowa.gov

Jennifer has lived in Iowa most of her life, and has always considered the Des Moines metro area her home.  After living in northern Iowa, then out of state for a short time as a child, she returned to Iowa and went to school in Johnston, where she graduated in 1992.

Jennifer met her husband, Lee, while attending Drake University. They’ve lived in the area since their marriage in 1996, with a brief stint in Chicago before coming back home to Iowa. They have two children, Ellie (20) and James (18) and live in Windsor Heights. Lee works at Nationwide in Des Moines and they are members of Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Jennifer’s church for more than 30 years. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Drake University, and Lee earned his undergraduate and law degrees there.

Jennifer believes there is nothing more important than being a mom and that’s why she has been an active volunteer in her kids’ education at every step from preschool to high school. She has served as President of the Plymouth Nursery School Board, President of the Downtown School PTA, Mock Trial coach at Merrill Middle School, and was a member of the PTA and a debate team parent volunteer at Roosevelt High School.  

Jennifer is currently an Associate Professor in Drake University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Before teaching at Drake, Jennifer spent 12 years in communications leadership at Iowa Public Television (IPTV). While there, she was responsible for strategy and implementation of communications for the network. She also served as the spokesperson for IPTV, on-air host during fundraising drives, and worked on special programs during the Iowa State Fair.

In 2018, Jennifer received the Madeline Levitt Mentor of the Year Award at Drake University. She has also been recognized as a finalist for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Inspiring Women of Iowa Courage Award and as Outstanding New Member from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Central Iowa Chapter in 2014, as a member of the Des Moines Business Record’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2010, and as national PBS Communicator of the Year in 2007.


State Representative District 33    Ruth Ann Gaines     Democrat Party    RuthAnn.Gaines@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fifth term in House.

Profession: 

Teacher.

Education: 

Received B.A. in drama/speech from Clarke College, Dubuque. Received M.A. in dramatic arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Memberships and Activities: 

Served on State Foster Care Review Board, Loras College Board of Regents, Very Special Arts Iowa, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, Eyerly-Ball Board, YWCA Board, NAACP Board, Hospice of Central Iowa, Repertory Theater of Iowa, Drama Workshop, Iowa Arts Council, Holy Family Foundation Board, Des Moines Area Religious Council, Westminster House Board, Des Moines Tutoring Board, and Des Moines Optimist Club Charter Member. Current member of Friends of Des Moines Human Rights and past president, Candeo Board, Iowa Juneteenth Observation Board, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Graduate Chapter.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1947 in Des Moines. Raised and resides in Des Moines.

Family Members: 

Vidal Spaine, partner; one son.


State Representative District 34     Ako Abdul-Samad     Democrat Party    ako.abdul-samad@legis.iowa.gov

Representative Ako Abdul-Samad is a National and International Motivational Systemic Speaker, Activist, Author, Photographer, Business Owner and Counselor. Ako Abdul-Samad has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and families for over five decades.

He is serving his fifth term in the House of Representatives and is Assistant Minority Leader. Ako serves on the following Committees: Administration and Rules, Education, Human Resources, International and Public Safety Committees. Ako is currently the Chairperson of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus.

Ako was elected and served on the Des Moines School Board and held office as the Vice President of the Des Moines Area School Board

As the CEO & Founder of Creative Visions Human Development Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, Ako Abdul-Samad established this non-profit organization in 1996. Serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ako established and directed business functions that include Employment Assistance, Support Services, Healthcare Management, Community Development, Advocacy, and consultancy on Culture & Diversity Education.

Ako created “From Pain 2 Power.org” (or) “From Pain 2 Power.com” A network developed to aid in bringing individuals together as a collective whole, with the purpose of aiding those who are struggling with core pain. Now, no one has to ever be alone. This is a special place where people connect with each other, to share their feelings and have a safe place to heal. Eventually having the strength to turn their personal pain to power, and understanding that it is a choice

Cofounder and Coordinator of YMCA Downtown Teen Program

Vice President of KUCB Radio

Founder and President of African-American Islamic Association

Vice President of the Center for the Study and Application of Black Economic Development

Cofounder of the first Black Student Union in the state of Iowa

A member of International Civil Rights Solidarity Movement

Currently a contributing columnist for “The Communicator, The Voice of Black Des Moines” Bringing insight to social issues that plaque the Black Community, community at large and may have even become cyclical in nature.

Ako published his first book, “A Deeper Truth, Revelations of the Soul”, a collection of poems depicting personal experiences and events within his own life’s journey and journeys of those he has encountered.

A graduate of the National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy.

Ako has received a number of awards, just to name a few….

2015 Representative of the Year Award, Iowa Fraternal Alliance

Ako was honored with the 2015 Bankers Trust’s Award of Accomplishment & Contribution, in observation of Black History Month, this award recognizes for his work and dedication that has directly impacted the countess lives across Iowa. The award acknowledges and commends Ako’s spirit of service that continues to inspire those around him.

Ako received the Iowa Black Business Summit 2014 Alexander Clark Award.

In 2009, Ako received the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Activist award, for his demonstration of commitment toward improving the quality of life in his community and in the state of Iowa.

In 2004, Ako was awarded the National Caring Award, the Caring Institute seeks to identify, honor, and reinforce the activities of particularly caring Americans; those who enable the human race by transcending themselves in service to others by dedicating the better parts of their lives to helping those in need. They have created solutions where others have despaired of finding answers. The power of Ako’s example inspires a new standard of social responsibility.


State Representative District 35    Sean Bagniewski     Democrat Party    sean.bagniewski@legis.iowa.gov

Sean Bagniewski’s life began in a trailer park, being raised by a single mother who worked day and night to take care of him. His mother’s dedication and his community’s public investments worked together to afford Sean the opportunities he needed to thrive and eventually become an attorney. 

For Sean, change starts with everyday Iowans and the recognition that individual success isn’t always enough. Change comes when our communities thrive and bring out the best in people. But along the way, he witnessed how years of political gridlock and hyperpartisanship meant that kids who were just like him would soon be left without the opportunities he once had. Sean had already witnessed first-hand that meaningful progress was achievable if community leaders committed themselves to putting people over politics. 

His time in law school, however, also taught him that politicians sometimes needed to be pushed in the right direction. So, Sean rolled up his sleeves and began volunteering for organizations that would actually advocate for his community’s needs. Years went by as the county’s top volunteer leader, a co-founder of a statewide organization, and a Dad. 

Sean knows that the time to act is now. Join him as he brings the fight for our communities and our neighbors to the Capitol.


State Representative District 36    Austin Baeth    Democrat Party    austin.baeth@legis.iowa.gov

Austin was born and raised in Des Moines and graduated from Hoover High School. His middle-class parents taught him the values of hard work and compassion and respect toward others. Those values led 16-year-old Austin to a job transporting patients in wheelchairs through the hospital. Austin loved listening to his patients’ stories and he was struck by their humility and strength in the face of adversity. The experience inspired Austin to become a doctor to help those in their time of greatest need.

After eight years of study at the University of Iowa, Austin earned a medical degree before setting off to specialize in internal medicine at the University of Colorado in Denver. It was in Denver where Austin met his now wife, Stephanie, who turned out to be an Iowan herself.

Both Austin and Stephanie were always proud of their home state and often boasted to their Colorado friends that Iowa had twice elected Barack Obama, championed marriage equality, and provided a strong public education. Naturally, the couple soon returned to Des Moines and have now resided in the Sherman Hill neighborhood for several years. They have two young children, Javier and Ruby. 

Austin sees patients in an internal medicine clinic and teaches medicine as an adjunct professor for the University of Iowa. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Medical Society and advocates for state policy that promotes equitable and accessible health care. As a creative outlet, Austin also joined three friends and opened an independent pizza restaurant in the Drake neighborhood.  

Through these roles in the community, Austin has met far too many people struggling to get by. The Iowa that he and Stephanie had once boasted about has since been dwindling under Republican control. Austin can’t just stand by watching the GOP dismantle his home state.


State Representative District 37    Barb Kniff McCulla    Republican Party    barb.kniffmcculla@legis.iowa.gov

Barbara J. Kniff McCulla is the owner of KLK Construction and ViewPointe Development in Pella, Iowa.

KLK is a contractor involved in the telecommunications industry and was established in 1979. This company is known as a leader in cable placement within the utility construction market and is recognized in the industry as a firm that provides its customers with excellent service. KLK Construction works in a seven-state area in the North Central part of the United States with a heavy concentration of work in Iowa.

Barb became active in KLK in 1995 due to the untimely death of her husband, Kevin Kniff, who founded the business and was President at the time. Barb had no experience in this industry and knew very little about the business. But due to her concern for the employees at KLK, a commitment to what her husband had developed and her passion for taking on new challenges she decided that she would become involved in KLK. This decision was even more remarkable as this was an industry and business that was dominated by males and not to mention that it came within one week of her husband's death.

The results of this decision have been remarkable. Since 1995, sales have continued to grow. The sales growth is unparalleled in an industry where several companies have had to close their doors due to the downturn in the telecommunications industry in the late 1990's and early 2000's. She retained all of her key employees during this transition and has added several more key positions increasing the employee base. KLK has grown their operations through acquisitions and laying of cross-country fiber optic lines with rural independent telephone companies and RUS programs including the use of wind generators and other utility work. 
Barb has established herself within this industry and is well known due to the success of her company and her ability to connect with new people that she meets and how she can immediately establish a common bond. Her personality is warm and sincere and her networking skills allow her to continually meet new people inside the industry and beyond. Barb feels communication-especially listening-is a key business element that applies not only with customers, but also with employees. 

Some of the awards she has won include:

  • 2016 - Barb was named one of the Women of lnfluence for 2016 by the Business Record of Iowa. "This awards honors women who have devoted their lives to doing things most wouldn't. They've spent countless hours on various boards and they've blazed a trail either personally or professionally for other women to follow. "
  • In 2014 Barb was nominated and won the city of Pella, Iowa's "Hall of Fame Excellence Award" for her contribution to the community.
  • 2008 and 2009 Solveras Award - Small Business Champion of the year by the National Federation of Independent Businesses
  • 2004 Pioneer Award with the National Association of Women Business Owners, which recognizes individuals that provide innovation, creativity, inspiration and vision for their organizations.
  • 2002 Dale Carnegie Achievement A ward given to the top individual in the class.

She has also served on the following work related association committees:

  • Rural Iowa Telephone Association Expo Board
  • Strategic Planning Committee for the National Power Communications Contractors Association
  • Chairman of the Leadership Council for the State of Iowa for the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

In addition to KLK, Barb also became a partner in starting a commercial development project in Pella (View Pointe) with a small group of investors. They purchased a tract ofland on the outskirts of Pella and are currently in the process of developing this property. Again, Barb has had no experience in any type of land development, but this has not deterred her from "taking on a new challenge", which is something she loves to do. Her role in this partnership, as you can well imagine, is to be salesperson and also the contact person for potential clients.

Outside of her work, Barb has been an extremely active member in the community and with various local, state and national organizations and associations. She is currently serving or has served on the following boards and committees:

  • 2010 - 2016: Board of Directors - Midwest One Financial Group- a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
  • 2016 to present: Board of Directors - Marion County State Bank. A privately held bank in Pella, Iowa.
  • 2019 - to present: Barb was nominated (by Iowa's US Senator Joni Ernst) and elected to serve on the Board of the National Women's Business Council in Washington DC.
  • 2015 - 2018: Barb was elected to a position on the Board of Directors for the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) in Washington DC. She had previously been President of the Iowa Chapter of NFIB for over 8 years and continues her leadership role in the Iowa Chapter.
  • In 2010 -Barb was appointed by the Governor of Iowa to the Workforce Investment Board for region 11.
  • Board of Trustees -Central College in Pella, Iowa
  • Royal Resorts Advisory Board
  • Christian Opportunity Center in Pella, Iowa. A local organization providing housing, employment and support for handicapped individuals:
    • Board of Directors
    • Special Events Planning Board
    • Golf Fundraising Board
  • Mid Iowa Small Business Development Center Advisory Board through Iowa State University
  • PADCO (Pella Area Development) committee for the city of Pella, Iowa
  • Marion County Development Board
  • Leadership Council - National Federation of Independent Businesses for the Iowa Chapter
  • Past President's Club - Central College in Pella, Iowa
  • Chairman of the Pella Community Foundation Board
  • Past Pella Day Care Center Board
  • Past Friend's of Des Moines Area Community College
  • Assisted in establishing a Teen Challenge for women home in Pella
  • Marion County Republican Party
  • TTT - Civic Organization
  • PEO - Civic Organization

But there is more. Barb went back to school to obtain her BA degree in Business Management in 2001. She did this through the adult education program at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. She completed her degree taking a full load of classes while working full time at KLK, staying active in all of her organizations and committees and raising two daughters at home. She had a 3.9 grade point to boot.

Most importantly, and Barb will attest to this, she is a Christian. She is actively involved in her local Church and has served on several committees, been a part of Sheltering Tree (a ministry team that provides visits to the members of the church family who are in need of care), taught Sunday School, involved in a cell group, assisted as an adult advisor for Calvinettes, chaired the decorating committee as well as a greeter and usher. Barb helped launch a women's ministry group (Uniting Sisters) at her church and is still in a leadership position with this group. She was a part of the steering committee responsible for a $5 million dollar new building expansion on the church campus. Her faith is obvious by what she has taken on. She has placed her trust in the Lord Jesus and knows He will provide what is needed and trusts Him for the ability to overcome any obstacle. She approaches the day by saying a prayer each morning to thank the Lord for the new day and ask for His guidance through the day." 

Barbs' gifts are many. She is an extremely high profile member of the community that she lives as evidenced by her involvement in the committees and organization that she is involved in. But what elevates her most is her personality and ability to meet with and connect with any person on any level. She has stated many times that her most favorite thing to do is to "meet new people". She has the ability to make anyone feel valued and welcomed and will make them feel at ease even in an unfamiliar setting. People will "seek" her out in a social setting just for a chance to visit with her. Her smile will light up a room when she walks in.

She also a very generous and giving person and likes to help assist others in realizing their own gifts, goals and dreams. She has been very instrumental in assisting several individuals who have expressed interest in starting their own business by providing encouragement, mentoring and financial support. Each of these individuals got the needed support or "gentle push" from Barb to start up these new ventures and realize their personal dreams. Of course, she downplays her involvement for each of these, but she was an integral in all of these changes. In addition, she has many times worked behind the scenes to help elevate others to achieve their dreams and goals or to support ministries or organizations she believes in.


State Representative District 38    Jon Dunwell     Republican Party    jon.dunwell@legis.iowa.gov

  • 25 years of Ministry Leadership
  • 21 years of working in an underserved community
  • Senior Chaplain of the Orange County Sheriff's Office
  • Board Chair Meals-on-Wheels/Seniors First
  • 9 year Vice President of Financial Services Firms
  • Founder of Legacy Park Wealth
  • John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer, Coach &  Health Coach
  • Volunteer Leadership - YMCA, Pine Hills Community Council, Main Street, Chamber of Commerce

State Representative District 39    Rick Olson    Democrat Party     rick.olson@legis.iowa.gov

Rick Olson has served in the Iowa House of Representatives since 2005. He serves on Judiciary, Public Safety, Government Oversight, Agriculture, and Administrative Rules Review Committees.

A lifelong Eastside resident, Rick attended Grand View College and Drake University, receiving his law degree from Drake in 1976. Upon graduation from law school, he went to work as an Assistant Polk County Attorney. While an Assistant Polk County Attorney, Rick was a member of AFSCME. Rick entered private practice in 1979 and has practiced law in Des Moines for more than 40 years. 

He is married to Brenda and has three grown daughters and four grandchildren. 

Community Involvement 

Former Assistant Polk County Attorney, member of Iowa State Bar Association, Polk County Bar Association, the Iowa Association for Justice, and the Des Moines Elks. Past board member of the Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and former member of the Polk County Magistrate Appointing Commission. 


State Representative District 40    Bill Gustoff    Republican Party    bill.gustoff@legis.iowa.gov

I was raised in Center Point, Iowa, by a municipal employee father and a school teacher mother, both of whom worked hard to support their three children. My small-town Iowa roots and working-class family life instilled in me a solid work ethic and a strong sense of community.

My best and most trusted friend is Sara, my wife of over 31 years, who is also an Iowa native. We have lived in Saylor Township for over 16 years, where we raised our four children currently ranging in ages from 25 to 12, and two of whom are still at home. Our entire family shares a love of people and community, and we have all been active over many years advocating at local and state levels for important issues, organizations, and candidates that promote freedom, strengthen families, and make Iowa a better place to live, raise a family, and operate a business.

My passion for people and community is part of my daily professional life, too. As president of the legal division for a Nashville-based national charitable estate and gift planning firm, I have helped direct billions of dollars to charitable causes around the country! I am also the managing partner of the Hagenow Gustoff & Karas law firm, which my partners and I founded in 2009 with an express purpose of making a difference for causes that matter to Iowans. I am a small businessman who knows the struggles of making payroll and everything else that keeps small business owners awake at night. 

I have also been a longtime volunteer board member for numerous nonprofit organizations and active in local church leadership circles. My wide range of volunteer activities have included Habitat for Humanity of Iowa, Ruth Harbor Ministries, Iowa State Bar Association committees, school choice and parental organizations, and serving eight years on the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Iowa (including the honor of being selected in each of those terms by my peers to serve as the party’s Treasurer).

Help me continue fighting for Iowa values in the Iowa Legislature!


State Representative District 41    Molly Buck     Democrat Party    molly.buck@legis.iowa.gov

Molly Buck is a mom, teacher, and colon cancer survivor running for the Iowa House in Ankeny’s House District 41, to fight for our schools, our families, and our community. 

She is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s in Education and received her Masters degree in Teacher Effectiveness and Professional Development from Drake University in 2016. Molly has taught in the Ankeny Community School District for the last eighteen years and currently teaches the fifth grade. In 2017, Molly fought on the front lines with her fellow teachers and ISEA union members against Republican bills underfunding education and gutting collective bargaining rights for teachers. 

Molly and her family currently reside in Ankeny and have lived in the district for over fifteen years.


State Representative District 42    Heather Matson     Democrat Party    heather.matson@legis.iowa.gov

Heather Matson has spent the last 23 years working and volunteering as a public policy advocate, community leader, state legislator, and development professional. She is passionate about building community, connections, and civic engagement in every aspect of her work. 

Heather believes that House District 42 deserves a state legislator who is a partner in good governance, who leads with a civic mindset, and who listens to understand, not simply to respond. 

Education

Heather has a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Western New England College in Springfield, MA and a Master of Arts in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Family

Heather and her husband, Chris Matson, moved to Iowa in 2003 for Chris to attend medical school at Des Moines University. It didn’t take long to fall in love with Iowa and decide to stay and raise a family here. They live in the Prairie Trail neighborhood of Ankeny with their thirteen-year old twins, Emma and Henry, and their dog, Tater. Chris is a family practice physician at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines. Emma and Henry are in seventh grade at Parkview Middle School.

Experience  

Heather served a term in the Iowa House (2019-2021) where she primarily focused on education, health care, and economic development. Heather always put constituent services first, holding weekly office hours during each legislative session as well as listening posts throughout the year. During her tenure, she served as one of four legislators on the Medical Assistance Advisory Council, the purpose of which is to advise the DHS Director about health and medical care services under the state’s Medicaid program. Heather also served as one of four state representatives for the School Funding Formula Review Committee, an interim committee that meets every five years to make recommendations on possible changes to Iowa’s public school funding formula.

Her passion for advocacy and dedication to improving public policy has led to a unique career in government affairs, politics, and nonprofit advocacy. Heather is a founding partner and director of development of Democracy Defenders of America, a new 501c3, nonpartisan, non-profit organization created to provide formative civic education to adults paired with organizing and coaching for sustained civic engagement and communal problem solving. She has previously worked in several roles on presidential, congressional, and statewide campaigns, including those of then-Senator John Kerry, Congressman Leonard Boswell, Secretary of Agriculture candidate Dusky Terry, and former-Governor Tom Vilsack. Her issue advocacy has ranged from organizations as varied as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to Planned Parenthood. She also served as the Development Director for the Des Moines Social Club, a former nonprofit arts and culture hub.

Heather was fortunate to be able to be at home with her children for several years. During that time she worked as an independent consultant and legislative bill tracker. 

Heather has always prioritized volunteerism as a central way to make an impact in her community and across the state of Iowa. From volunteering with the PTO when her children were in elementary school to working with people of faith and no faith to end extremism in our politics, Heather has always believed that building trusted connections is critical for our future and that good ideas can come from anywhere if you are willing to listen and learn. 

Current Volunteer Leadership

  • Ankeny Service Center, Board of Directors
  • Ankeny Kiwanis Club, Board of Directors
  • ACSD School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC), Parent Member

Prior Volunteer Leadership

  • Planned Parenthood Voters of Iowa, Board Chair and PAC Chair 
  • Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Vice Chair, Board of Directors 
  • Iowa Democratic Party, 1st Vice Chair 
  • New Leaders Council, Advisory Committee

State Representative District 43    Eddie Andrews     Republican Party    eddie.andrews@legis.iowa.gov

Where did you grow up? Des Moines

Current town of residence: Johnston

Education: East Des Moines High School, University of Iowa Electrical & Computer Engineering, grad work at Iowa State and UMass, religious certificates and licensing training

Occupation: Tech Entrepreneur and current State Representative. I am also a bilingual minister.

Political experience and civic activities: Elected in 2020, Vice Chair of Health & Human Services Appropriations, Veterans Affairs, Health & Human Services, Commerce and Public Safety Committees. Founded #mentoromics, which teaches youth coding with an emphasis on life skills and entrepreneurship. Founded Des Moines Spanish Conversation Meetup. Bilingual minister.


State Representative District 44      John Forbes       Democrat Party    john.forbes@legis.iowa.gov

Terms: 

Serving fourth term in House.

Profession: 

Pharmacist.

Education: 

Graduated from Eagle Grove High School. Received B.S. in pharmacy from Drake University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of the Urbandale Library Foundation Board. Past member of the Urbandale City Council, past president of the Iowa Pharmacy Association and the Polk County Pharmacists Association, and Central Iowa Honor Flight coordinator.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1956 in Clarion. Raised in Eagle Grove and resides in Urbandale.

Family Members: 

Wife, Cindy; one son, one daughter, and one grandson.


State Representative District 45    Brian Lohse   Republican Party    brian.lohse@legis.iowa.gov

Brian, his wife, and three children are all proud residents of Polk County. A graduate of Drake Law School, Brian founded and operates Brick Street Market and Brick House Fitness with his wife, Mary.

In the Iowa House, Brian will continue his commitments to expand a thriving economy, find creative ways to build a strong workforce, fight for family values, promote excellence in education, and advocate for improved mental health resources.


State Representative District 46    Dan Gehlbach   Republican Party    dan.gehlbach@legis.iowa.gov

Dan Gehlbach is a native of Urbandale and graduate of Urbandale High School. For the past 16 years Dan has called Dallas County Urbandale home. He moved  back home to Iowa in 2006 to start a family and eventually start his business. Dan currently serves on the Waukee School Board after being elected in 2019.

Dan is running for the Iowa House to keep Iowa competitive and foster the same values and climate that led him back to raise his family. Dan is committed to allowing parents to direct their child’s education by funding students instead of systems, protecting individual freedoms, including keeping the government from mandating what we put in our bodies, and a state tax structure to attract businesses and native Iowans back to the state, while giving excess funds back to hard working Iowans.

Dan and his wife Staci have 2 daughters that are excited to be attending Des Moines Christian in the fall where they will be in 9th and 6th grade. Dan and Staci own and operate Mathnasium Learning Center in West Des Moines. Their center has been open since 2011 and has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of kids reach their potential and thrive in math. 

Dan is currently on the Waukee Community School District’s Board of Directors where he served as past Vice-President. Prior to being elected, Dan served on the Waukee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors where he chaired both the scholarship and ambassadors’ committees, the Waukee Schools Foundation Board where he chaired the scholarship committee, two Waukee School Boundary Committees, was a nationally elected member of the Mathnasium Franchise Advisory Committee, and is a past graduate of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy.

Dan holds a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. Before starting Mathnasium, Dan was a Certified Internal Auditor and worked in the healthcare, gaming, and publishing industries. Dan also spent 2 years overseas in Japan as a High School Teacher. Dan’s wife Staci is also a former elementary school teacher.

Dan and Staci attend Eternity Church in Clive where they are both active members in their new church home. Dan has served in many volunteer roles while attending Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines and Waukee including teaching Sunday school and hosting small groups for the Alpha course. Dan has also sponsored and volunteered at many PTO fundraisers as well as being a constant presence at school (prior to Covid). Some of these include the Walnut Hills Fun Run, S.T.E.A.M. Fest, Striders, and Watch D.O.G.S.


State Representative District 47    Carter Nordman    Republican Party    carter.nordman@legis.iowa.gov

Carter, a Republican, is a 9th generation Iowan who is currently serving in the Iowa House of Representatives. Carter announced he will be running for re-election for Iowa House District 47 in 2022 to continue serving the people of Dallas, Guthrie, and Greene counties. 

​While in the Iowa House, Carter has fought to lower Iowan's taxes, promote pro-business and pro-growth policies, ease burdensome regulations, and protect individual freedoms. 

​Carter is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa where he obtained his bachelors in business management and leadership. He owns and operates a small business while serving in the Iowa House. Carter is a member of the Ways and Means (Vice Chair), Commerce, State Government, and Local Government committees.


State Representative District 48    Phil Thompson    Republican Party    phil.thompson@legis.iowa.gov

Rural Iowa is our home and we raise our kids right.

My parents were farmers. My mother taught me about selfless service and my father taught me about hard work. My father is a Methodist Pastor and always reminds us of Micah 6:8. Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.  My mother passed away, but the values she instilled in me live on.

I'm the youngest of six children who all joined the Army.  I entered Ranger school at 19.  It was tough, but not as tough as being raised by a mother of six.  My values were grounded in my faith and my strength was reinforced by my family.

I'm an Iraq war veteran.  I was proud to come home to the community that raised me after serving my country.

As a rural community we look out for each other.  If you send me to Des Moines I will fight for you. I believe the best stewards of our resources are the families that worked hard to create them.  I'm an Army Ranger and I'm not afraid of hard work.  I will go to bat for rural Iowa and ensure we are seeing fair returns on our investments.

We need to protect rural Iowa.  I would be proud to serve you and humbly ask for your vote on November 6th.

God Bless!

Phil


State Representative District 49    Beth Wessel-Kroeschell    Democrat Party    beth.wessel-kroeschell@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving eighth term in House.

Profession: 

Events coordinator, Reiman Gardens.

Education: 

Graduated from Ames High School. Received B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa and M.P.A. from Iowa State University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Serves on the Friendship Ark board of directors, which is a community that provides homes in Ames for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1959 in Ames. Raised and resides in Ames.

Family Members: 

Husband, Tom; one daughter and one son.


State Representative District 50      Ross Wilburn     Democrat Party    ross.wilburn@legis.iowa.gov

Ross is a former mayor, social worker, member of the Iowa National Guard, and currently a representative in the Iowa House for House District 50 Ross has a proven track record of creating jobs and fighting for Iowa families.

"I'm running to join the effort to ensure we provide affordable healthcare, create green jobs while protecting our environment, and that public dollars are used for public education. I'm here to offer my experience as a 12 year former local elected official, social worker, member of the Iowa National Guard, and parent to serve the people of Ames and Iowa."


State Representative District 51   Dave Deyoe    Republican Party    dave.deyoe@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving seventh term in House.

Profession: 

Farmer.

Education: 

Graduated from Nevada High School. Received B.S. in animal science from Iowa State University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of Nevada Rotary Club, Story County Farm Bureau (past president and voting delegate), Story County Pork Producers (past president), Story County Republican Central Committee (former chair), Pheasants Forever, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and United Methodist Church, Nevada.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1960 in Manhattan, Kansas. Resides near Nevada.

Family Members: 

Wife, Deborah; one daughter and one son.


State Representative District 52    Sue Cahill   Democrat Party    sue.cahill@legis.iowa.gov

Hi, I’m Sue Cahill and I am running for the Iowa House here in District 52.  I have served Marshalltown and northern Marshall County for the past two years as the House representative for House District 52.  Due to redistricting, I will now serve Marshalltown and the southeastern parts of Marshall County including Haverhill, Laurel, Gilman, Ferguson and LeGrand.

I recently retired from 23 years of teaching in the Marshalltown School District, most of those years at Woodbury School.  I am so gratified when I see students I had in kindergarten who have turned into productive adults in our community and start families of their own.  While many are accomplished professionals in Marshalltown giving back to their community, I’ve seen too many leave our state or our community for Des Moines and other communities.

It’s essential to keep and attract families here to Marshall County with strong public schools, affordable and accessible healthcare, and expansive skilled trade programs.  I have worked in the legislature for these issues and I will continue to reach people in all parts of our district, on all parts of the political spectrum, to find common ground and create a Marshalltown and Marshall County that works for everyone. 

I was elected to the Marshalltown City Council, have served on the Marshalltown Youth Foundation, The Marshalltown Rotary Club, The Iowa River Valley Early Childhood Area Board and been active in the Marshalltown and Iowa State Education Associations.  In the legislature, I serve as the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, as a member of the Education and Educational appropriations committees and the Labor Committee.  I am part of the Democratic Caucus leadership team.  

When I have been met with barriers, whether they were health conditions, economic challenges, or a devastating E3 tornado in our community, I have faced them head on.  I have brought that same toughness to the Iowa House by speaking up for fully funded schools, increases in mental health facilities and health care, working against increased numbers of children in child care settings and for a fair tax and unemployment resources for all Iowans.

I am running because I have learned that if you want something better for you and your family, you have to make it better for ALL families.

I hope you will join us for an event, so I have a chance to meet you and hear what issues are on your mind. I‘ll see you on the campaign trail!


State Representative District 53    Dean Fisher   Republican Party    dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fourth term in House.

Profession: 

26 years in the electronics industry as an engineer, engineering manager, and business manager (1978 – 2004). Farming (2004 – 2014) with a 100-head cow-calf operation. Presently starting a small Christmas tree farm.

Education: 

Graduated from South Tama Community High School in 1975. Received bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering technology from DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago in 1978.

Memberships and Activities: 

Served as Indian Village Township Clerk, Precinct Election Chairman, and Republican Party County Chairman. Appointed to the Tama County Pioneer Cemetery Board. Benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. Charter member of the American Motorcycle Association. Life member of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, Amateur Trapshooting Association, and Iowa State Trapshooting Association. Member of Farm Bureau, Tama County Cattlemen’s Association, and the Colonial Williamsburg Society and its Duke of Gloucester Society. Owns an Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship-recognized Heritage Farm that has been in the family since 1852. Hobbies are woodworking, trapshooting, genealogy, horticulture, hunting, and travel.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1956 in Garwin. Raised and resides in the rural Garwin and Montour area.


State Representative District 54    Joshua Meggers    Republican Party    joshua.meggers@legis.iowa.gov

Josh Meggers of Grundy Center announced in early January his intent to run for the office. Though the candidate filing period has not officially opened, it appears as though Meggers will be facing off against BJ Hoffman in a primary race for the Republican nomination in the November election.

Meggers is a career law enforcement professional, taking a Bachelor’s degree in criminology from Upper Iowa University into full-time work as an officer with the Belle Plaine Police Department in the early 2000s.

In 2005 Meggers took a job opportunity with the Iowa State Patrol and has been a state trooper for the past 16 years.

The House 54 race is Meggers’ first run for public office and he said the biggest driving factor behind his decision to seek election was a desire to see revitalization brought to rural areas like the communities in District 54.

Meggers grew up in the unincorporated community of Buckingham in northern Tama County, graduating with the Class of 1999 from Hudson High School.

“For me, economic development is very important,” Meggers said. “A lot of the businesses that I remember growing up are now gone. And I think that it’s important to have somebody coming from a rural community like Buckingham that has the passion for small towns and being a voice to help bring businesses and jobs to the community.”

Meggers said he hopes to work toward that priority in the Iowa House by finding ways to lower corporate tax rates to incentivize new business development as well as property tax rates to attract people who might be open to moving into rural communities.

Another platform priority for Meggers is a focus on legislative partnerships with schools.

“As a representative, I’d like to work closely with our school boards to first learn about the successes they’ve experienced and then to find ways to connect those good ideas to more schools so that other districts can also prosper,” Meggers said.

In the coming weeks Meggers plans to meet with a number of governmental councils and boards in the House District 54 region to introduce his campaign and to hear some of the concerns and issues going on at the local level.

In late January he made a visit to the Reinbeck Fire Department where the group discussed funding for emergency services as well as the increasing problem of volunteer recruitment and retention.

Meggers lives in Grundy Center with his wife Danielle who is also in law enforcement, serving as a sergeant for the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office. The two have a daughter that attends Grundy Center Middle School.

In his free time Meggers enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, spending time with family and friends and attending school events for his daughter.


State Representative District 55    Shannon Latham    Republican Party    shannon.latham@legis.iowa.gov

Shannon Latham is vice president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds and is primarily responsible for its marketing efforts. She has a passion for writing, branding and communicating through social media.

Prior to joining the family business full-time in January 2007, Shannon operated her own communications/public relations business for three years. She also worked for six years as an account executive and public relations specialist for The Meyocks Group. Her most notable projects were the groundbreaking and grand opening of Jorden Creek Town Center in West Des Moines.

Other previous work experience includes serving as an agricultural program coordinator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship where she did public relations for the Beginning Farmer Loan Program and coordinated the Iowa Agricultural Youth Institute (IAYI). She also served as director of legislative affairs for the Agribusiness Association of Iowa and coordinated its grassroots lobbying efforts. Shannon earned an MBA from the University of Iowa, as well as a bachelor's degree with a double-major in Ag Journalism and Public Service & Administration in Agriculture from Iowa State University.


State Representative District 56    Mark Thompson    Republican Party    mark.thompson@legis.iowa.gov

Mark grew up on an Iowa farm, graduated from Eagle Grove High School and Buena Vista College.  Commissioned a Marine in 1977.

As an infantry officer he led Marines in every Division around the world, trained extensively in special operations, conducted counter drug operations in Columbia and led Marines in refugee operations during the Mariel boat lift out of Cuba.

He arrived at the Department of State Counter-terrorism Bureau at the end of his 20-year Marine Corps career, and was asked to stay in a civilian capacity.  He has been a key member in, or led, nearly every deployment of the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) since the late 90's, providing subject matter expertise from throughout government to US Ambassadors in preparation for, or in the aftermath of terrorist attacks.

When not deployed, Mark discreetly coordinated some of the most sensitive counter-terrorism activities around the world.  In the course of those duties, he traveled to over 60 nations.  In 2008, he was promoted to the Senior Executive Service.

In 2013, Mark testified as a whistleblower before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the terrorist attack on the US diplomatic facility in Benghazi, Libya

Since his departure from the Department of State in 2016, he has returned to Iowa with his wife, Jacki, where they have reintegrated into their childhood community.  He is a co-chair for the Republicans of Wright County.

He substitute teaches and works part time during harvest with local farmers.

Mark and Jacki live outside of Belmond, in Wright County.  They have been blessed with two daughters, their husbands and six grandchildren.


State Representative District 57    Pat Grassley    Republican Party    pat.grassley@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving seventh term in House.

Profession: Farmer.

Education: Received A.A. in agribusiness from Hawkeye Community College.

Memberships and Activities: Member of Butler County Farm Bureau and Oak Hill Cemetery Foundation Board.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1983 in Cedar Falls. Resides in rural New Hartford.

Family Members: Wife, Amanda; two daughters and one son.


State Representative District 58    Charley Thomson    Republican Party    charley.thomson@legis.iowa.gov

I am a political outsider.  I’ve never held elected office before.  I am currently a lawyer and businessman with more than 34 years working in the private sector.  I decided to run because, even after Trump’s successes and the Covid disaster, our state and federal government are still not listening to the people.  They don’t “get it” and they refuse to “get it.”  Rural Bremer, Chickasaw and Floyd counties, once vibrant and prosperous, are now growing in generational poverty.  Great manufacturing jobs are exported; meanwhile our farmers suffer from a meddling but unhelpful government and from having to do business with remote, faceless, rapacious, market-manipulating multi-nationals.  Our Main streets are empty; our best and brightest young adults are lured out-of-state by high-dollar positions with which we cannot compete.  Now record inflation and a steady flow of imperial edicts from Washington are threatening even further decline.  It’s time for someone to yell “knock it off.”


State Representative District 59    Sharon Steckman    Democrat Party    sharon.steckman@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving sixth term in House. 

Profession: Retired educator.

Education: Received B.S. in education from Iowa State University and M.S. in education from Morningside College.

Memberships and Activities: Served on the Mason City Swim Club Board and Mason City Youth Hockey Association. Former member of the Mason City Education Association, serving as president and chief negotiator. Taught in Portugal and the Mason City Community Schools for 30 years. Currently serving on the board of directors for RSVP, IJAG, Francis Lauer Youth Services, and Uni Vocis, and as Commissioner of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. Also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Xi, PEO, and Trinity Lutheran Church.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1947 in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in Littleton, Colorado, and Omaha, Nebraska, and resides in Mason City.

Family Members: Husband, Alan; three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.


State Representative District 60    Jane Bloomingdale   Republican Party    Jane.bloomingdale@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving second term in House.

Profession: Owner, Bloomingdale Tax and Accounting.

Education: Graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School. Received bachelor’s of applied science degree from Southern Methodist University.

Memberships and Activities: Served on the Northwood City Council and as Mayor of Northwood. Member of First Lutheran Church.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1956. Resides in Northwood.

Family Members: Husband, Jim; one son and one daughter.


State Representative District 61    Timi Brown-Powers    Democrat Party    timi.brown-powers@legis.iowa.gov

I am a life-long advocate for those in need. I was born on Beal Air Force Base in California and raised here in Iowa and I know that helping those in need is a true Iowa value. My father is an Air Force veteran who answered his generation’s call to serve and upon coming home, found work and joined the rubber-workers union, instilling in me the value of standing for what you believe in and with your fellow Iowans. My mother was an employee of Des Moines public schools and small business owner. She taught me the importance of family values and hard work.

When I moved to Waterloo to go to school at the University of Northern Iowa, I fell in love with our community. For the past 25 years, I have worked at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, helping better the lives of patients and helping Iowans who’ve suffered from stroke, cancer, and traumatic brain injury patients, to those battling depression and mental illness. Helping Iowans is the way I was raised, the way I raised my son, and the value we need more of in state government.


State Representative District 62    Jerome Amos Jr.    Democrat Party    jerome.amosjr@legis.iowa.gov

Jerome is and has always been devoted to the people. That’s what being a Political Candidate is all about. After years of experience working on the Waterloo City Council to make positive change in the lives of families, seniors and young people Jerome is now taking it to politics. It’s this intense dedication, passion, and devotion that fuels his fight for change. Explore the site to learn more about the issues that Jerome is concerned with, his plan to tackle the problems and ways you can join the cause.

"I come from proud a family that has roots that date back to the 1800's in Iowa. My Grandfather was born in Buxton Iowa. I want to work for you. We need to create more living wage jobs, improve our schools, and make public safety - especially getting guns off the streets, a top priority. I know that there is much to be done with health care including the mental health aspect of health care. With many years of government experience, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate the complicated governmental agencies, and get things done."


State Representative District 63    Michael Bergan    Republican Party    michael.bergan@legis.iowa.gov

Term: Serving first term in House.

Profession: Director of HAWC Partnerships for Children and tax accountant.

Education: Graduated from Decorah High School. Received bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics from Luther College.

Memberships and Activities: Prior member of Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors, Iowa Early ACCESS Council, Iowa State Empowerment Board, Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commission, Northland Area Agency on Aging, and Spectrum Network.

Birth and Residence: Born in 1962 in Decorah. Resides in rural Decorah.

Family Members: Wife, Carol; two daughters.


State Representative District 64    Anne Osmundson    Republican Party    anne.osmundson@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Stay-at-home mother, small business owner, and farmer.

Education: 

Graduated Central High School in Elkader.

Memberships and Activities: 

Secretary, Clayton County Republican Party. Past member, Clayton County Planning and Zoning Commission and Clayton County Judicial Magistrate Appointing Commission.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1957 in McGregor. Resides near Volga.

Family Members: 

Husband, Steve; seven children.


State Representative District 65    Shannon Lundgren   Republican Party    shannon.lundgren@legis.iowa.gov

Dubuque County needs family-supporting jobs. Creating a strong business climate in the state that allows businesses to grow, hire and offer good benefits to their employees takes a reduction of burdensome regulations and high tax rates. During my experience as a business owner, I understand that you can't spend more than you take in.  That burdensome government laws should be reviewed and changed to ensure a positive business climate so that Iowa's economy can grow.  

Finding ways to get people to work by offering opportunities through programs like future ready Iowa and occupational licensing reform, will allow people to follow a career path that will lead them to better paying jobs and help fill the workforce shortage that we have in our state.

Education

Putting our children first should always be our priority.  Iowa parents and classroom educators know and understand that.  We learned some important lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic. With many children being taught online, parents were literally in the classroom with their kids.  They could see first hand what curriculum was being used and how  that curriculum was being taught.  Our students, parents and educators learned how to collaborate differently based on the student's needs, and none of it was easy.  The relationship between students, teachers and parents is extremely important.  Allowing school districts to have more input in what works for the families they serve is one of the most important things the state can do.  The media focuses on the money, and funding is important.  Nearly 10.4 billion will be spent in 2020-2021 between Federal, State and Local funding.  But, the bottom line is, flexibility. Ensuring that districts can spend their funding where they need it will benefit our children in the long run.  It's always about the kids!

Defending Life

I was honored to be a part of Iowa's bold to protect life over the past several years.  As the floor manager of the bill that banned abortion after 20-weeks, we helped save at least one baby a week within our state.  I floor managed the Heartbeat Bill which passed the house in 2019 and most recently, I floor managed the 24-Hour waiting period prior to an abortion which is now law.  I am pro-life from conception until natural death, and will continue to work to defend life at all stages.

Expanding Brain Health Access

As your representative, I passed several bills that provided services for the brain health and complex needs for adults and children in our communities.  I am dedicated to seeing that those needs are met for all Iowa citizens, with services available to all who need it, when they need it.  After access to care, outcomes are another big priority for me.  We need to ensure that the services available in our state, are helping people become healthy and productive.

Just as important as access, is that the providers are available to fit the need.  I have actively worked on legislation that helps us recruit and retains mental health providers with innovative loan programs and optional telehealth access.

Safe & Secure Elections

As a member of the State Government Committee, I have had the opportunity to work on several election bills that fulfill the request of the majority of Iowans.  A few years ago, we passed Voter ID legislation that was upheld as constitutional.  Whether you vote in person or by absentee ballot, you want your vote to count and requiring an ID to vote in person, or using that identifying information on an absentee ballot request, helps to ensure the integrity of our elections.

Back the Blue

Now more than ever, it is important to support our law enforcement.  In light of today's rhetoric, law enforcement have a more dangerous job than ever before.  In Iowa, we support our men and women in uniform and with recent legislation, they know that we have their backs, just like they protect ours.

1st Amendment

Free Speech is protected by the first amendment.  We are now witnessing the stifling of free speech by big tech companies who have a monopoly on social media,  mainstream news organizations. and higher education universities.  We must do what we can to protect free speech and not allow these organizations to decide who can be heard.

2nd Amendment

The right to keep and bear arms is protected under the US Constitution in the 2nd Amendment.  I have always and will continue to protect your right to defend yourself, your family and your business.


State Representative District 66    Steven Bradley    Republican Party    steven.bradley@legis.iowa.gov

Occupation: Dentist
District: Iowa House District 58
Education: Graduated from Western Dubuque High School, attended Loras College, and the University of Dubuque, Graduated from the University of Iowa. Received Dental Degree from Marquette School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Why did you decide to run for office:

I have been a small business owner and dentist for 35 years. As a private practice owner, I understand the importance of managing finances and wanting my tax dollars spent responsibly. In Des Moines, I will make it a priority to budget conservatively and leave as much money as possible in pockets of hard-working Iowans.

What do you hope to accomplish?

Iowa thrives under Republican leadership. Our fiscally conservative policies keep our economy growing. Liberal policies mean more spending, more taxes, more regulations, and more government involvement in our businesses and lives. I was raised with common sense, conservative Iowa values, represented my profession with those values, and will continue to represent all Iowans with these values.

What do you want the voters to know?

I have been heavily involved in organized dentistry over my 35-year career. I started at the district level and worked my way up to the President of the Iowa Dental Association. As President, I represented our state at the national level protecting the interests of Iowa dentists. Following my tenure with the Iowa Dental Association, I was appointed, as a Republican, to the Iowa Dental Board by then-Governor Chet Culver. I was subsequently reappointed for two more terms by Governor Terry Branstad. I served as chairman of the Board of Dental Examiners for six years. As Chairman, it was my duty to oversee dentists in the State of Iowa and work with Legislators to pass laws that protect the health and safety of private citizens while squashing bills that were not in the best interest of citizens of Iowa.


State Representative District 67     Craig Johnson    Republican Party    craig.johnson@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in Senate.

Profession: 

Executive director, Heartland Acres Agribition Center.

Education: 

Graduated from Independence Jefferson Senior High School. Received B.A. in industry from the University of Northern Iowa in 1986.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, National Rifle Association, Knights of Columbus, and the Independence Area Dollars for Scholars Investment Review Committee. Former member of Vision Iowa Board.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1963 in Independence. Resides in Independence.

Family Members: 

Wife, Susan; one daughter.


State Representative District 68     Chad Ingels    Republican Party    chad.ingels@legis.iowa.gov 

Residence: Randalia, Iowa

Occupation: Fourth-generation Fayette County farmer, school board member, youth sports coach and former watershed project coordinator

Education: BS Horticulture from Iowa State, MAg Professional Agriculture from Iowa State


State Representative District 69    Tom Determann    Republican Party    tom.determann@legis.iowa.gov

A native of Clinton county, Tom is a successful local area businessman (retired), former city councilman, current county supervisor, and a veteran of the United States Army. Tom and his wife, Judy, live in Camanche, Iowa and have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Tom is extremely passionate about Clinton County, the state of Iowa, and our country. In his past and present leadership roles he has worked hard to help balance public budgets, reduce tax burdens on our citizens, and to attract new business and entrepreneurship to our area. This includes decades working on the effort to expand highway 30 to a four-lane highway that would help to attract those industries to our area by providing better logistical access across Northern Iowa and Illinois, from Ames to Chicago. This would help grow the Clinton County area by providing the last of the four highest priority needs of major industries when considering expansion to an area, including access to already available air, railroad, and river transportation. Tom sees education as one of the top priorities in Iowa and the Clinton area, he supports all law enforcement, and Tom supports efforts to shrink government and reduce stifling regulations that hinder growth.


State Representative District 70    Norlin Mommsen   Republican Party    norlin.Mommsen@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Farmer, growing corn and soybeans, and raising cattle.

Education: 

Graduated from East Central High School in Miles, and attended the Farm Operations Program at Iowa State University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Rural Representative on the Clinton County Justice Coordinating Commission and serves on the board of directors for the Clinton County Farm Bureau and the Great River Threshers. Has been involved with the Clinton County 4-H Youth Board, the Miles Area Lions Club, and the Community Ambulance Service and the FFA Alumni.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1957 in Clinton. Raised in Miles, resides in DeWitt.

Family Members: 

Wife, Denise; five children.


State Representative District 71    Lindsay James    Democrat Party    lindsay.james@legis.iowa.gov

The morning after the 2016 election, I stumbled my way through a conversation with my then six-year-old daughter. As I told her about our new president, her eyes began to well up with tears and she asked me a simple yet profound question, “Mom, does this mean we have to build a wall?”

This was the moment I realized I had to run for office. There are too many walls dividing people, to many barriers preventing people from thriving.

As a college chaplain, I’ve devoted my life to building communities where these walls and barriers were coming down, not going up!  As a former city commissioner, county official, and leader in the NAACP, I have a proven commitment to breaking down the barriers that keep our hard-working families from accessing safe and affordable housing, mental health services, nutritious food, and good jobs with living wages. 

As your State Representative in Iowa House District 99, Dubuque, I’ve co-founded Iowa’s first bi-cameral, bi-partisan caucus, led the charge for insulin access and mobile home protections, and most recently passed historic racial justice reform. As your state representative, I will continue to mobilize our community around the values that bring our kids a secure future – a thriving and just economy, universal healthcare, a clean environment, strong schools, and vibrant neighborhoods!


State Representative District 72    Charles Isenhart    Democrat Party      charles.isenhart@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving sixth term in House.

Profession: 

Common Good Services.

Education: 

Received B.A. in political science and mass communication from Loras College and M.A. in journalism from Marquette University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of Iowa 2010 Strategic Planning Council (Development Committee), Iowans for a Better Future Board, Governor’s 21st Century Workforce Council, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Customer Council, City of Dubuque Housing Commission, City of Dubuque Community Development Commission, Downtown Neighborhood Council, Dubuque County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Stakeholders Committee, Habitat for Humanity Board, Project Concern Board, Dubuque Food Pantry Board, Dubuque Soccer Alliance Board, Dubuque Housing Coalition, Healthy Dubuque 2000, and Crescent Community Health Center Planning Committee. Member of St. Raphael Cathedral Parish. Former chair of Research Committee, Dubuque County Democratic Central Committee, Platform Committee, and 2004 Presidential Forum Planning Committee. Precinct GOTV captain, precinct caucus chair, and county convention delegate.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1959 in Dubuque. Resides in Dubuque.


State Representative District 73    Elizabeth Wilson    Democrat Party    elizabeth.wilson@legis.iowa.gov

Elizabeth Wilson is a mom, small business owner, and long-time Marion resident running for the Iowa House of Representatives to make sure every kid in Iowa gets the opportunity to grow with the same resources she did. 

Growing up on welfare, Elizabeth is now the founder and President of her own business. She attributes the social safety net that she had as a child to her success and is fighting to make sure every Iowan has the same. Elizabeth currently serves as the founder and President of Wilson Business Services which provides financial services primarily to small businesses around financial planning. She is a graduate of Cornell College and received a MBA from the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She previously served on the Linn-Mar School board.

In addition, Elizabeth serves as Treasurer for Families Helping Families of Iowa which is designed to help and support children in foster care. She also serves as the Treasurer of Systems Unlimited which provides services to people living with disabilities and mental health needs in eastern Iowa. She has lived in Marion for the past fourteen years and is the proud mother to two children.


State Representative District 74    Eric Gjerde    Democrat Party    eric.gjerde@legis.iowa.gov

Eric grew up in a rural community with his parents and twin sister.  He is the son of Ken Gjerde, a veteran of both the Army and Navy, and a retired United States Postal Service worker, and Ruth a retired nurse.  Much of his early days was spent working in his uncle and aunt’s family owned grocery store, learning the ins and outs of the business before he could see over the register.  Eric attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, where he ran Cross Country and Track and double majored in Sociology and Religion.  Eric and his sister were the first in his extended family to earn four year degrees.

Eric then began working on his first of two Masters degrees from the University of Iowa, ultimately earning Masters degrees in Secondary Education and Educational Administration.  While a graduate student, Eric served on the Board of Directors for the Habitat for Humanity of the Quad Cities. After completing his first Master’s Degree, he began his education career in LeRoy, Minnesota. In addition to his teaching duties, Eric volunteered as an EMT for LeRoy Area Ambulance.

​Eric returned to the state of Iowa to begin work on his doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, which he completed in May of 2016 at the University of Northern Iowa.  While working on this degree, Eric worked as a Special Education teacher at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, IA for five years, before accepting his current position with the Cedar Rapids Community School District.  Eric has been teaching Special Education and coaching at Thomas Jefferson High School for the past ten years. For the past five years, Eric has volunteered and served as a Linn County Sheriff’s Office Special Deputy.

​Eric is married to his wife, Amy, who works as an early learning paraeducator in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. They have three daughters, Grace (10), Caroline (6) and Ella (6) who attend elementary school in the Linn Mar School District. 

​In November of 2020, Eric was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives serving the residents of the 67th District which includes Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, and  parts of Cedar Rapids. 


State Representative District 75    Bob Kressig    Democrat Party    bob.kressig@legis.iowa.gov

Bob was born in Dubuque, Iowa on December 31st, 1953, to Bob and Verdie Kressig. Bob has 2 sisters Judy Beckmann who passed away in 2012 and Peggy Kane, who lives in Waterloo. Bob attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Columbus High School. Bob transferred to Waterloo West High and graduated, in 1972. In 1972, Bob started working at John Deere in Waterloo. Bob’s parents were small business owners in Waterloo for years owning Verdie’s Restaurant. He married Liz Amble in 1978 and has two daughters, Molly, who lives in Temecula, CA, and Laura, who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011. Bob and Liz have 2 grandchildren, Brianna and Gavin. Bob and Liz moved to Cedar Falls, to 3523 Veralta Dr., in May of 1990, and have lived at the same address ever since.

Bob attended Hawkeye Tech. and completed a maintenance welding course, in 1974. He also attended UNI and completed course work for State of Iowa Post Secondary Teaching license. During Bob’s tenure at John Deere, he held various jobs, from maintenance to assembly. Toward the end of his career at John Deere, Bob was a John Deere /UAW Joint Trainer, for 10 years. Bob retired from John Deere in December of 2003 with 31 years of employment.

Bob is currently a Board member of Veridian Credit Union, since 1996, and was the Board Chairman for 3 years. He was selected by Mayor Jon Crews in 2000, to the Planning and Zoning Commission of Cedar Falls, and resigned that position in December of 2004. Bob was also the Chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, from 2002 thru 2004. Bob also serves on the University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center Board of Directors, and the Allen Hospital Child Protection Center Advisory Committee. Bob was also appointed by the legislature to serve on the Criminal Justice Information System Advisory Committee and the Statewide Interoperable Communications System Board.

Bob ran for the Iowa House of Representatives, in 2004, and won that seat. Bob currently serves on Public Safety Committee (Ranking Member), Commerce Committee, Local Government Committee, and the Economic Development Appropriations Budget Sub Committee.

Bob joined the Cedar Falls Lions Club, in 2005. Bob is a member of the Sons of Amvets Post 49 and is a member of the UAW Local 838 retirees group Bob also enjoys riding bicycles and was a member of Rainbow Cyclists in Waterloo, for several years. He also enjoys riding RAGBRAI and has ridden 24 total RAGBRAI’s.

Some of Bob’s strengths are his care for his community and dedication to serve the people of Iowa House District 59 as their State Representative. Bob is open-minded, a good listener, and committed to representing the citizens. Bob is a team builder with leadership skills who is highly motivated, task oriented, and is experienced in planning and implementation processes.


State Representative District 76    Derek Wulf    Republican Party     derek.wulf@legis.iowa.gov

There are two main things that I would say make me the best candidate to represent the newly created Iowa House District 76: experience and philosophies. The experience I've gained as being a lifelong family farmer, working in agribusiness, and most importantly growing a young family in my rural community can't be learned anywhere else, and I think they'll serve our district well in Des Moines. I know the value of hard work, early mornings, late nights, and that there are times where you just have to push through challenges. Many of the good folks here in our District 76 can relate to this experience.

When it comes to my philosophical stance on the real issues that matter to the many that I have talked to in the district, I think my vision is more aligned with that of the folks here in HD76 than my opponent. I believe in keeping more of our hard-earned dollars as opposed to sending it to the government. I believe in parents being in the driver's seat of our kids' education. I believe in backing police and emergency responders. And ultimately, I believe in the value of freedom and individual agency. These don't seem to be the values of the opposing party.

I think as a state, we need to do more to keep our rural communities not only thriving but growing. A big reason I hear folks are moving away from rural Iowa are jobs and housing. I want to make sure that when we fund programs and tax credits at creating jobs, that rural Iowa receives the attention it deserves for these programs. The vast majority of this state is rural, District 76 exemplifies that, and we need to prioritize skyscrapers in Des Moines less, and businesses on main street more.

I also believe that when it comes to housing, if you build it, they will come. We need to incentivize developers to build or restore homes in Iowa's smaller towns. If given the right incentive, I think you'll see developers want to build in places like Traer, Dysart, Hudson, or La Porte rather than another development in a suburb of a major metro area.

When it comes to issues I'm hearing about, it's mainly around the impact of the economic disaster that the federal government is leading us into. I can definitely relate to them in my own family farm operation, where our expenses have risen in some cases by over 300%, fuel prices have more than doubled, and interest rates are on a runaway train higher with no end in sight. I plan to prioritize any efforts that can bring some economic relief to my constituents. That could take the shape of lower taxes, cutting red tape to get people into jobs faster, or helping educate and train the next generation to be ready to fill the jobs that will await them.

My family is the most important part of my campaign team and they have been with me every step of the way on this journey to the State House in Des Moines. My wife, Dresden, has been an instructor in the Animal Science Department at Hawkeye Community College for 15 years. I have two beautiful and extremely talented daughters, Aubrey, who is 11, and Claire, who is 7. They attend Hudson Community School and are active in youth rodeo, 4-H, choir, piano and violin. I am truly blessed to have them by my side to help with the early mornings and late nights of feeding cows, tending to planting and harvest in our row crop operation, and everything else that keeps our family farm running.


State Representative District 77    Jeff Cooling    Republican Party    jeff.cooling@legis.iowa.gov

Jeff Cooling, 33, is continuing his family’s union tradition. His parents and grandparents were union members. He started his apprenticeship with IBEW 405 after graduating from Cedar Rapids Prairie in 2006 and now is a journeyman electrician. He and his wife, Amanda, have two children. Jeff is concerned about schools and child care, which he said was his family’s largest monthly expense until their older child started school.

In addition to serving a second term as IBEW 405 president, Cooling is an area vice president at the Hawkeye Area Labor Council. He also has worked with his young trade unionist group since 2011, most recently volunteering with Project ReLeaf CR, planting trees in Cedar Rapids.

He wants to reverse the attack on workers’ rights that he witnessed when the Legislature “gutted” Chapter 20 collective bargaining rights for public employees. Cooling was among the speakers at Capitol rallies against those changes in 2017. He also is concerned that “teachers, classrooms and public schools are underfunded and forgotten. Our infrastructure is aging, especially in our rural areas.”


State Representative District 78    Sami Scheetz   Democrat Party    sami.scheetz@legis.iowa.gov

Sami was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His story is like so many others in America. The son of an immigrant teacher and a lawyer, Sami learned from a young age the value of a good education, workers’ rights, and helping one’s own community.

Sami graduated from George Washington High School, a public school right here in Cedar Rapids, where he pursued his love for swimming and became president of the study body. Inspired into community organizing and public service by President Barack Obama, Sami has been organizing and working to get Democrats elected across Iowa for over a decade.

After high school, Sami attended Georgetown University on a scholarship during which he lived abroad in Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, where he worked for the State Department.

Following graduation he immediately returned to Cedar Rapids to work to rebuild the Democratic Party and elect progressives to office across this state. Most recently, he served on the leadership team for President Joe Biden’s general election campaign here in Iowa.


State Representative District 79    Tracy Ehlert     Democrat Party    tracy.ehlert@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Small business owner and early childhood educator.

Education: 

Received A.A.S. in information systems management from Kirkwood Community College, A.S. in early childhood education from Marshalltown Community College, B.A. in early childhood education from Ashford University, and M.A. in early childhood education: teaching and diversity from Walden University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Accreditation Ambassador, The National Association for Family Child Care. Level 3 Instructor, Child Care Resource & Referral. Continuing Education Instructor, Kirkwood Community College. Member of National TEACH Early Childhood Alliance Council, QRS Oversight Committee, and Iowa Early Childhood Workforce Advisory Committee. Advocate-Volunteer, Save the Children United States. Ambassador, Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation. Ready to read facilitator and preschool room child care coordinator, Young Parents Network.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1978 in San Bernardino, California. Resides in Cedar Rapids.

Family Members: 

Husband, Justin; two sons.


State Representative District 80    Art Staed    Democrat Party      art.staed@legis.iowa.gov

Art Staed hails from Joplin, Missouri, one of 11 kids. He graduated from McAuley Regional Catholic High School, earned his college degree at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, a Master’s degree in Secondary Education at The University of Missouri at K.C. and a second Master’s in Secondary Administration from East Central University of Oklahoma.

A Leader in Education and the Community

Art’s passion for education spurred a ‘Communities in Schools’ program targeting at-risk students using mentoring programs, tutoring, mental health assistance, human services and counseling to help kids stay in school. His program received national recognition at a White House ceremony for creative and successful business-school partnerships.

The rate of domestic violence in the local community troubled Art, and he worked determinedly to provide assistance, counseling and a safe haven for victims of abuse. He co-founded The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma and served as a Board member while writing grants for construction and operational costs. 

Business Manager

Briefly leaving education for a career with U.S. Cellular, Art quickly became a direct sales supervisor and manager of numerous retail stores, including opening and operating new stores for the company. This required Art to identify new markets, help find new locations for stores, arrange for their lease and remodeling, and to hire, train and manage store employees.

U.S. Cellular brought Art to Cedar Rapids as a national trainer to work with managers and front line sales associates throughout the country in a host of management, sales, and business development courses. He was responsible for providing more than 30 different certified professional training courses.

After making the decision to return to public education and updating and expanding his credentials, Art taught Business Management and Time Management courses at Kirkwood and developed workforce training at the Iowa Workforce Development office in Cedar Rapids.

Art and his wife Susan recently sold Coffee Talk Café, where he hosted “Coffee Talk: Corridor Conversations”, a videotaped series of talks with local community leaders regarding issues that affect the Cedar Rapids community. The coffee shop was a successful small business that provided a “refuge”, a place of peace where people could get away, relax, and enjoy great coffee. Art says that running a business presents many challenges, but it also brings great rewards. He says that the best part was working there with his wife and getting to know all the customers, along with being part of a great community and contributing to that community.

Legislative Experience

The citizens of district 37 elected Art to the Iowa House Representative in 2007-2008 where he served as Vice Chairman of both the Education Committee and the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. He also represented Iowans on the Economic Growth, Labor, and Veterans Affairs committees.

On the Education Committee, Art championed efforts to provide preschool for all Iowa’s eligible children and 4% allowable growth in the state’s kindergarten through 12 grade education budget. He worked to pass legislation that improved teacher salaries from 48th in the nation to 25th. Art worked with colleagues to get additional aid for private school students, the Iowa Tuition Grant Program and the All-Iowa Opportunity Grants for college aid. He helped move the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative to passage in the House and supported a record level of support for community colleges and universities. Art also supported after school programs and grants to help struggling students get help to reach grade level and to stay in school.

On the Veterans Affairs Committee, Art helped floor-manage the Veterans homeowner assistance program and the expanded charitable programs that provide financial assistance to needy and homeless Iowa Veterans. He was concerned about Iowa’s Veterans, so he moved legislation to provide and train Veterans’ Affairs officials to assist Veterans in every county and to finally pay Vietnam Veteran Bonuses that had been unpaid since 1973.

On the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Art assisted in moving the bill creating the Iowa Power Fund, a blueprint for funding State renewable energy workforce programs. The Iowa Power Fund brings Iowa closer to energy independence, making Iowa a renewable energy provider, and promoting well-paying jobs. Art also supported the expansion of incentives targeted to small business development centers. And finally, he helped expand historic preservation tax credits, match funding for recreational trails, and additional funding for Iowa tourism.

At the conclusion of Art’s term, “the House was in order” with a balanced and sound fiscal budget: a cash reserve fund of $444 million, an economic emergency fund of $138 million, a fully funded Medicaid program and a repayment of $144 million to the senior living trust fund.

Currently, Art teaches secondary education and is active in the Cedar Rapids Education Association. You will also find him out knocking on voters’ doors, getting voter input, nearly every evening.  He resides in Cedar Rapids with his wife Susan. They have four children and five grandchildren.


State Representative District 81    Luana Stoltenberg     Republican Party    luana.stoltenberg@legis.iowa.gov

Luana has been married to Steve since 1985, and they have an adopted son, Zac, from India. They are past business owners, and Luana has managed several businesses. She has served on the boards of various non-profits, and was treasurer at her church and Life and Family Coalition. Luana is an author, and international pro-life speaker, and has been featured in Today's Christian Woman magazine, in several documentaries, and on multiple radio programs. She has been on The Early Show, 700 Club, and quoted in countless newspapers, including USA Today. Luana's heart is to fight for justice and freedom, while showing others the love and mercy of Christ.


State Representative      District 82    Bobby Kaufmann    Republican Party    bobby.kaufmann@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fifth term in House.

Profession: 

Small business owner and livestock farmer.

Education: 

Studied business at the University of Iowa and Muscatine Community College.

Memberships and Activities: 

Past state chairman for the Iowa Federation of College Republicans. Clerked for seven years in the House and worked on Governor Branstad’s 2010 campaign. Member of the Iowa Farm Bureau, Cedar County Historical Society, Sons of the American Legion, Solon Optimist Club, and Tipton Lions.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1985 in Muscatine. Raised and resides in Wilton.


State Representative District 83    Cindy Golding    Republican Party    cindy.golding@legis.iowa.gov

I’m an entrepreneur, business executive, farmer, real estate investor, mother of six, and grandmother of 21. Growing up in a small town and working in my family’s struggling small business gave me a strong foundation. It was there that I learned the value of hard work and working together to make things happen that seemed impossible.

As a legislator, I will encourage cooperation between rural and urban interests, but will always defend our small towns and their schools. I will protect agriculture and farming. I will fight for family values and parental involvement in children’s education. I will fortify our 2nd Amendment rights, and I will defend the Constitution of the United States. 

If you believe in the promise of America, I’m your candidate. I’ve been incredibly blessed to grow and prosper in this country and in Iowa and I’m doing everything possible to provide the right opportunities for all our children and grandchildren. 

Please join our campaign. 

AT A GLANCE

  • Wife, mother, grandmother

  • Entrepreneur

  • Successful business owner

  • 18 years church youth leader

  • 29 years advocating for small town and rural Linn County

  • 30 years school volunteer, mentor, coach

  • 22 years Linn County Farm Bureau Board

  • 32 years state-wide leadership in National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB)

  • Served on numerous Linn County boards and commissions battling Democrats' wasteful spending

  • Energetic and effective leader who gets things done!


State Representative District 84    Thomas Gerhold    Republican Party    thomas.gerhold@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving second term in House.

Profession: 

Research associate, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.

Education: 

Attended Benton Community High School in Van Horne, Kirkwood Community College, and University of Iowa.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Atkins. RAGBRAI participant. Enjoys traveling.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1961 in Cedar Rapids. Resides in Atkins.

Family Members: 

Wife, Julia.


State Representative District 85    Amy Nielsen     Democrat Party    amy.nielsen@legis.iowa.gov

“Born and raised in Iowa, I learned from a young age the power of community. After becoming involved with my three childrens’ school activities and creating programs like Walking School Bus, I ran to serve as the North Liberty Mayor in 2014, becoming the first female ever to serve in the role. I made investing in the community with important services like intra-city public transit, raising the minimum age, and creating more affordable housing my top priorities. As mayor, I created innovative solutions and implemented inclusion services that made the diversifying and growing city more accessible to all. ”

“After winning the election to serve House District 77 in 2016, I was recognized as an effective leader who was able to work across the aisle and get results for my constituents. A progressive voice for all Iowans–including those who are often voiceless– I’ve worked on a variety of issues such as expanding emergency medical services (EMS) for rural Iowans, protecting health care access and services, and giving local government municipalities the ability to best serve their residents. Currently, I serve on the Administration and Rules, Commerce, Local Government (Ranking Member), State Government and Ways and Means Committee, as well as Administrative Rules Review and State Government Efficiency Review committees.”


State Representative District 86    David Jacoby     Democrat Party    david.jacoby@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving seventh term in House.

Profession: 

STEM Outreach Coordinator at University of Iowa.

Education: 

Received B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa.

Memberships and Activities: 

Served two terms on the Coralville City Council. Served on the Iowa Workforce Development Board for eight years. Member of Civil Service Committee, Empowerment Board, Mayor’s Youth Board, Iowa City/Coralville Chamber of Commerce, Victory Riders Association, and St. Thomas More Catholic Church.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1956 in Cedar Rapids. Resides in Coralville.

Family Members: 

Wife, Lynette; two daughters.


State Representative District 87    Jeff Shipley     Republican Party    jeff.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving second term in House.

Profession: 

Performance artist and gardener

Education: 

Graduated from Naperville Central High School, Naperville, Illinois, in 2006. Received B.A. in political science from the University of Iowa in 2010.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in Euclid, Ohio. Resides in Van Buren County.


State Representative District 88    Helena Hayes    Republican Party    helena.hayes@legis.iowa.gov
 
I have been homeschooling our three children since 2003. I have taught Physical Science, Biology and Chemistry to homeschool students in the Pella area for six years now. I hold a B.A in Environmental Science and Biology. Before children, I was employed with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock as a Park Ranger and then as a Naturalist with the Mahaska County Conservation Board in Oskaloosa. I served for several years as a Naturalist until I respectfully removed myself from the career path so that I could commit to full time motherhood. I have spent the past 18 years serving in various volunteer positions, committees, and teaching capacities, mainly in the area of sciences and with the youth in my community in such organizations as 4-H, Mahaska County Youth Committee, PEACE, and Classical Conversations.

State Representative District 89    Elinor Levin     Democrat Party    elinor.levin@legis.iowa.gov

I intend to live in an Iowa that we can all talk about with pride, as I do when conversations come up of redistricting and gerrymandering, as I did when telling people that I was moving back here in 2016. I want to see Iowans take responsibility for the water and land that we send downstream and that we will leave behind when we are gone. I want to ensure that people in this state are safe, well, and supported throughout their lives.

I have to be an advocate for compassion and reason in the forward movement of my community. I am a communicator, and eager to consult with experts to make well-considered decisions that improve the lives of my fellow citizens. My fundamental belief in progress and community has been challenged and strengthened in the past years, and I firmly believe that I must employ my privilege and education to be a dynamic voice in the state’s decision making going forward.


State Representative District 90    Adam Zabner     Democrat Party    adam.zabner@legis.iowa.gov

As a child of immigrants, I am a product of the state of Iowa delivering on the American promise to provide opportunity to people of every race, gender, religion, and creed. This is a defining moment in our politics and state, it is a time where too many have forgotten that promise. Fifty percent of our Iowa and Iowa State graduates leave Iowa after graduating and those who stay are burdened by student loan debt.

I am running to represent House District 90 because I believe that Iowa can lead on the biggest issues facing our country, but it requires empowering, retaining, and investing in our young people. We need representatives who will use their power to invest in our state’s future and move Iowa forward.


State Representative District 91    Brad Sherman     Republican Party    brad.sherman@legis.iowa.gov

My name is Brad Sherman and I am a candidate for the new Iowa House District 91 which includes all of Iowa County as well as the western and northern portions of Johnson County. My wife Carole and I have been married for 47 years. We have 4 children and 13 grandchildren. I am running because I am concerned for their future and yours.

I lived in Johnson County for 30 years before moving near Williamsburg in Iowa County 12 years ago. I currently serve as the chair for the Iowa County Republicans and as pastor of Solid Rock Church in Coralville. I also bring a lot of blue collar experience and common sense to the table. I have worked in farm drainage and land improvement, worked as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic, worked in the construction trade building commercial and residential buildings, and have done some real estate development. There is a serious disconnect between politicians and the real hard-working people who actually get things done in this country. This disconnect exists largely because we have big donors and big businesses controlling career politicians who are more concerned about position and power than people.

Here are a few bullet points that further describe me and some of my positions:

  • Pro Life
  • Pro Constitution
  • Pro Law Enforement
  • Pro 2nd Amendment
  • Pro Family Farm
  • Pro State’s Rights
  • Pro Election Integrity
  • Pro Medical Privacy
  • Pro Traditional Family
  • Pro Free Speech
  • Pro Energy Independence
  • PRO AMERICA!

I am a patriotic American and I worked for good government and good public policy for a long time. I’ve worked in caucuses, political conventions, and presidential campaigns as far back as the mid 1980’s, see endorsements here. I have been a long time advocate for Life, helping to found Informed Choices Medical Clinics where I served as the president and board chair for 10 years. I have traveled around the Midwest conducting seminars helping people understand the principles that made America the freest nation on earth (something our schools are not teaching these days). One of those principles is laid out in the Declaration of Independence which states that our rights come from God, not government, and the purpose of government is to protect those rights. It seems that many in elected office have forgotten this principle.

State Government vs Federal Government

The corrupt condition of Washington, DC is accurately described as a swamp and it seems to be swallowing us up. But we must remember that it was the states that created federal government in the first place and it is going to take strong leadership in the states to put overgrown federal government back in its Constitutional place. I am running for State House because I firmly believe that the line against federal over reach must be drawn at the state level and I want to join others in drawing that line.

Like many Americans today, I find the socialist and Marxist trends that are pushing our nation ever closer to the tyranny of communism very alarming. I can’t sit back and let these evils destroy the freedoms that have made America a blessing to the entire world.

This is my pledge to you if I am elected to the State House: I won’t become a rubber stamp for any donor or any career politician. I believe there is right and wrong and I will stand for what I know to be right. I’m asking for your help and together we can become part of a movement to take our nation back!


State Representative District 92    Heather Hora    Republican Party    heather.hora@legis.iowa.gov

“I would say I’m very conservative, I would consider myself — if you want to call it something — a Reagan Republican,” she said. “I grew up in the Reagan area, I was 10 when he was elected president, and so he was my president all through my young years … when I was 18, I became President of Republican Women of Washington County, so I’ve stayed on that.

“I believe in the platform. There’s some that may want to venture off of the platform, but I believe that the strength of the Republican Party is in the grassroots, and the grassroots are who votes on our platform. So I believe in the Republican platform as set forth by the delegates.”

While she said she was partial to party compromises, Hora didn’t necessarily expect many chances to do so if elected.

“If there’s things that can be met in the middle, I always think that’s a good option, but the agenda of the Democrats has been so far left … there’s no sense in meeting in the middle if the middle is something that we would disagree with,” she said. “I believe in working across the aisle 100%, but today’s Democrat tends not to be as open to compromise either.”

Born in Riverside, Hora grew up in Minnesota, spent some time as a real estate broker, and moved back to Iowa in 1990 when she married her husband Kurt and co-founded their company, H.K. Farms, north of Washington.

“I took to it naturally,” she said. “It was a pretty big change, I’d lived in town my whole life … We just decided we would do it together and we bought some bred gilts, moved out here to this house and started raising a family.”

Hora said her family was a major factor in her decision to run for office.

“I have children, and it’s their future that is on the line,” she said. “There is so much happening in today’s world that we need to pump the breaks on, and I think the only place that’s going to happen is in the legislature.”

Specifically, Hora said she took issue with school curricula.

“The woke curricula that they’re putting into schools — the critical race theory, if you call it that — teaching children that they are inherently racist is something that should not ever be in the school,” she said. “We need to get back to teaching our children the basics, the reading, the writing, the arithmetic, and leave the parents to teach the children their morality.”

Her family is also heavily involved in her campaign, and helped her make the decision to run.

“We discussed it as a family and we believe in doing everything as a family,” she said. “Kurt, my husband, and my son, put up all the signs, and the girls usually go door knocking with me … I wouldn’t do it without them, I don’t know how you could do it without your family. If they weren’t supportive of my campaign, then we probably wouldn’t be doing it, but they see the importance and the value of having representation at the state level.”

Since becoming a farmer, Hora has been an active voice in the ag industry. She is a former board member of the Iowa Pork Producers Association, and has served for 16 years on the Washington County Pork Board.

While the groups are not technically lobbies, they are heavily involved in legislative activity and connected to the National Pork Producers Association, which has its own political action committee, called PorkPAC.

Hora said her involvement with such politically active groups made up for her lack of time spent in public office.

“I’ve been around politics … I do know many legislators and I’m friends with Gov. (Kim) Reynolds,” she said. “I don’t think I have a lack of experience. I’ve got a lack of experience being elected to public office, but I was elected to the pork board, and I’ve been elected to the National Pork Board nominating committee. I’ve been elected to many things and a part of a process to many things, so I don’t know that it’s really that different.”

The candidate said she viewed her lack of government experience as an upside.

“I think it’s a benefit to not have held public office myself, because you go in there with fresh ideas, fresh ways of doing things, and you’re not in a box,” she said. “I’m just going to go in, I’m going to represent my people, and I don’t owe anybody anything except the people in my district.”

Hora also pitched farm policy as a major priority.

“So much happens with regulations and things like that, that are not practical on the farm and really don’t have any bearing on say, water quality or anything like that,” she said. “But if you’re not on the farm you don’t realize that, so that’s another thing, is to represent agriculture in the state house.”

In her view, Hora said her farm experience constituted a connection with the rest of the community she would represent if elected.

“A large portion of our district is employed in agriculture in some form,” Hora said. “Agriculture is far greater than just the farmer plowing the field. It’s the people delivering the seed, it’s the people at ACE selling you parts for your waterers, it’s the people at the grocery store … I think agriculture is such a large part of our area, I’m not even sure who that would be that isn’t touched by agriculture in some way.”

Hora lost to State Sen. Kevin Kinney in a race for the office in 2018 by a little over 9%. With that defeat behind her, she said she was much more confident in her chances for this year’s general election.

“When I ran for the senate, we had Tiffin and North Liberty, and a high population of Democrats, we knew it was going to be an uphill battle,” she said. “This is a fresh district and we just don’t have those battles … I believe 100% that it’s going to be a Republican, it’s just going to be a matter of which Republican.”

Asked what made her the best pick for voters, Hora said constituents would get what they signed up for: a consistent conservative.

“I am a Christian, a mother, a farmer,” she said. “I have common sense when it comes to all things, and I believe in our platform as a party and I will stand by that.”


State Representative District 93    Gary Mohr    Republican Party    gary.mohr@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving third term in House.

Profession: 

Higher education administrator (retired).

Education: 

Received bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University in social sciences/economics. Received master’s degree in higher education administration and adult education from Iowa State University.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of Iowa Public Information Board, Riverboat Development Authority, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and UnityPoint Trinity Hospital Foundation Board.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1951 in Council Bluffs. Resides in Bettendorf.

Family Members: 

Wife, Jane; 4 sons; 11 grandchildren.


State Representative District 94    Mike Vondran   Republican Party    mike.vondran@legis.iowa.gov

As a lifelong Iowan living in Davenport since 1984, Mike Vondran not only raised his children in the Quad Cities, he also started his business and has continued to grow it since 1990.

Known for his leadership and commitment to our community, Mike has served on numerous community boards over the past 37 years including the Great Mississippi Valley Fair, Junior Achievement of the Heartland, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Health Foundation, Downtown Davenport Partnership, and Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation. Mike also founded the HAVlife™ Foundation, a not-for-profit, that serves the needs of area at-risk youth.

Mike is working hard to stay future-focused, making Iowa the best place in the nation for young people to grow, learn, earn, and raise families. He understands young Iowans represent only 25% of our state’s population and he believes they are 100% of our future. Iowa needs to realize the value of our youngest Iowans and the potential that is in our future.

Additionally, Mike is focused on growing a vibrant economy in our Eastern Iowa region, building a recognition, appreciation and understanding of the value that we add to the entire State of Iowa. A competitive, innovative business environment is essential to grow our State. Mike will be a strong voice for all who reside and work in
House District 94 and as a result will grow home and State together!


State Representative District 95    Taylor Collins       Republican Party    taylor.collins@legis.iowa.gov

Collins previously served as a policy advisor to Governor Kim Reynolds and later senior advisor to Li eutenant Governor Adam Gregg. As a Policy Advisor, Taylor served as a liaison to four state agencies under the purview of the executive branch. Taylor worked with the lieutenant governor on rural development policy through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative and helped craft policy recommendations through the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Most notably, Taylor served in the governor’s office during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, aiding in the state’s response.

Collins is currently an adjunct professor at Iowa Wesleyan University where he teaches classes in economics and business. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Drake
University. Collins also serves as chair of the Southeast Iowa Young Republicans chapter, and attends Harmony Bible Church in Danville with his fiancé Savannah. Taylor currently resides in Mediapolis, not far from where, in 1951, Taylor’s great grandparents, John McCulley Sr.
and his wife, Betty, founded the family business – Oakville Feed & Produce, now known as TriOak Foods.


State Representative District 96    Mark Cisneros    Republican Party    mark.cisneros@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Commercial truck driver.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1970 in Los Angeles, California. Raised in Pico Rivera, California. Resides in Muscatine.

Family Members: 

Wife, Bridget; three daughters, three sons, and two grandchildren.


State Representative District 97    Ken Croken     Democrat Party    ken.croken@legis.iowa.gov

Ken Croken is an 18-year resident of Davenport’s eastside, having moved to the city in 2003 to serve as chief marketing and government relations officer for Genesis Health System. Croken is a graduate of the New England School of Law in Boston and St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

In addition to his responsibilities as Scott County Supervisor, he also serves as adjunct faculty at St. Ambrose University and is a member of the Quad Cities River Bandits baseball club ownership group. Ken and his wife, now retired St. Ambrose nursing professor Kathryn McKnight, live in the McClellan Heights neighborhood and have two grown children, one grandson and another on the way.

He will focus his campaign and service to the people of Davenport on “middle-class” issues, including jobs, education, health care and social justice. Among his top priorities is ensuring a living wage for all working Iowans and their families. Croken noted that the median household income of Davenport families is less than that in comparably sized cities of Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City. Moreover, according to Croken, Davenport has the highest rate of poverty among those same communities.


State Representative District 98    Monica Kurth   Democrat Party    monica.kurth@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving second term in House.

Profession: 

Former counselor/therapist at Rock Island Youth Guidance Council, Rock Island, Illinois. Worked as a counselor and director of the Student Support Services (TRIO) program and then as a faculty member (teaching developmental mathematics) at Scott Community College, Bettendorf.

Education: 

Graduated from Aquin High School, Cascade. Received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Mercy College. Received master’s degree in counseling at Northeast Missouri State University, Kirksville, Missouri. Pursued further education at the University of Iowa in social work and education.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of Quad Cities Interfaith and Progressive Action for the Common Good. Served on Scott County Democratic Party Committee.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1950 in Cascade. Resides in Davenport.

Family Members: 

One daughter, one son, and four grandchildren.


State Representative District 99    Matthew Rinker    Republican Party    matthew.rinker@legis.iowa.gov

A Burlington native, I grew up in the same house my whole life. My father worked in law enforcement, and my mother took care of the family home until she went to work at a local factory when my siblings and I went to school in the Burlington school district. I attended Burlington Community High School, and graduated in the class of 2003.

Following graduation, I joined the United States Navy, where I served on active duty as a military police officer until I left the service in late 2008. During my time stationed abroad, I met my wife Sophie. We fell in love, and I was so blessed to have her move back to Iowa with me to start our lives together.

After returning to Iowa, my wife and I enrolled in school at Southeastern Community College. I worked towards my degree in public policy, while she completed her degree to become a Registered Nurse. This was a challenging time, myself working three jobs and my wife working two we were determined to make ends meat; and, in 2013 I graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Political Science and Economics. Shortly after graduation from WIU, I started my career as a local Shelter Insurance agent in Burlington.

My wife and I started a family in 2011, welcoming our first daughter Elin into the world. Olivia, our second child, arrived soon after that, further humbling us and reminding us that parenting is not an easy job – but one we sure love and embrace. Our family experienced the all too real heartache of loss in 2016 We lost our 3rd child Mia during childbirth, and our family prayed and prayed for the opportunity to have just one more child. God blessed us with our son Jacob in 2018, and our fourth child Lillian in 2020. My wife and I currently work in Southeast Iowa, and our children attend local schools.

Small Business Owner

In 2013 I started my career as a local Insurance Agent. I chose insurance because I saw it as an opportunity to help people when they needed it the most. Insurance is about being there when people need you, and that is something that I have always enjoyed doing.

As a small business owner, I have learned that hard work and dedication can lead to success. Taking care of your clients and their families is always number one, but it requires lots of late nights and early mornings to make a business run. Like most small business owners, I wear many hats, and this has allowed me to understand the importance of businesses and business owners in our communities.

Community Leader

After being elected to the Burlington City Council in November of 2017, I began working on the 80-million-dollar budget process that happens annually as a city councilman. The budget process was an eye-opening and informative experience because I quickly learned how much local government could impact the daily lives of those in the communities that we serve. It may be surprising, but local government can have a more significant impact than any other level of government. Therefore, it is essential to have support at the state and federal level for our locally elected officials to identify, support, and move our needs forward.

While serving as a Burlington City Councilman, I have worked closely on several city projects, including the Burlington Riverfront Masterplan and Burlington’s long-term Community Investment Plan (CIP). I have also served as the city representative on several committees and boards, including The Burlington Bees, Economic Development, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning, and the Southeast Iowa Riverboat Commission.

Community Involvement/ Volunteer Work

At a young age, I learned the importance of volunteering and giving back to your community. In 2014 I started a partnership with local law enforcement agencies called Southeast Iowa’s first Shop with a Cop were third graders are paired up with officers and they spend the day doing team building and shopping for Christmas. This event has helped strengthen the relationship between our community’s youth and local law enforcement officers.

Over the last six years serving as a Burlington Rotary Club member, I have supported our local mission is to improve literacy and to ensure there is a book in the home of every local child. In 2017, I was one of a few individuals who traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to provide support to Syrian refugees who needed assistance. I have also served in many other capacities with organizations such as the Burlington Education Foundation, The Des Moines Community Foundation, and The Southeast Community College Booster Club.

Military Service

On the morning of September 11th, 2001, I was sitting in Mr. Gibson’s geometry class when news of the attack on the World Trade Center interrupted our lesson. The event was a defining moment in my life because I knew right then my country was going to need young people like myself to stand up and defend and protect us. In the coming months, I signed up and left for the US Navy. After attending the law enforcement academy in San Antonio, Texas, I was stationed in El Centro, California and worked as a patrol officer. In 2005, I volunteered for deployment to Iraq.

While in Iraq, I spent most of my time providing force protection for a forward operating base FOB Suse and eventually moved to logistics at FOB Warrior in Kirkuk. During my time in Irag, I became a leader. I truly learned how teamwork and determination could play a significant role in your personal development and tour future successes.

After my time serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, I was stationed in Souda Bay Crete in the country of Greece. Here, I worked in base force protection as a watch commander and patrol officer. In 2008, two years later, I was discharged from Active duty Navy. Shortly after that, I enrolled in the Naval Reserves, where I served until my discharge in early 2013.


State Representative District 100    Martin Graber   Republican Party    martin.graber@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Financial advisor, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Fort Madison. Former human resources manager, Dial Corporation.

Education: 

Graduated from Central Lee High School. Received B.B.A. from the University of Iowa, 1976; M.B.A. from St. Ambrose University, 1987; and M.S.S. from the U.S. Army War College, 2002.

Military Service: 

Retired brigadier general, Iowa National Guard.

Memberships and Activities: 

Past president of the Fort Madison Rotary Club. Active member, elder, and Sunday school teacher at the Fort Madison Christian Church. Chairman of the Lee County Republican Party, volunteers with the Tri-State Rodeo, and serves on the Mississippi River Parkway Commission.

Birth and Residence: 

Born and raised in Donnellson and resides in Fort Madison.

Family Members: 

Wife, Coni; two daughters and two grandchildren.


Senate District 1   Rocky DeWitt   Republican Party    rocky.dewitt@legis.iowa.gov
 
Senator Rocky De Witt worked for MidAmerican Energy for 22 years and served on the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. He currently works in courthouse security for the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office. A staunch supporter of the Second Amendment, Senator De Witt is a lifetime NRA member and a federally licensed gun dealer. He is a father and grandfather and member of Morningside Lutheran Church.

Senate District 2      Jeff Taylor       Republican Party     jeff.taylor@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in Senate.

Profession: 

Professor of political science, Dordt University; former political analyst, KCAU-TV; former assistant professor of political science, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama; assistant professor of political science, Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois; instructor of political science and librarian, Rochester Community & Technical College and University Center, Rochester, Minnesota.

Education: 

Graduated from Spencer High School. Received B.A., political science and history, Northwestern College; M.A. in library and information science, University of Iowa; and M.A. and Ph.D. in political science, University of Missouri, Columbia.

Memberships and Activities: 

Author of several scholarly books including: Where Did the Party Go?: William Jennings Bryan, Hubert Humphrey, and the Jeffersonian Legacy (University of Missouri Press, 2006); Politics on a Human Scale: The American Tradition of Decentralism (Lexington Books, 2013); and The Political World of Bob Dylan: Freedom and Justice, Power and Sin (Palgrave Macmillan, 2015). Represented Iowa as a delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1961 in Spencer. Raised in Spencer and resides in Sioux Center.

Family Members: 

Wife, Shirley; one daughter and one son.


Senate District 3   Lynn Evans  Republican Party    lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov

I’m running for the Iowa Senate because Iowa is my home. It’s been my home my entire life. I was born in Iowa, and I was raised in Iowa. I met my wife here and raised my family. For 35 years I have served communities in our state as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. I have had the privilege of serving on community foundation boards, local economic development committees and civic organizations, working to make our community the best place to live, work and raise a family. Iowans should be represented by Iowans, people who have lived and worked in our communities and understand the struggles we face. I’ve been showing up for Northwest Iowa my entire life and not just when it’s convenient. I’ll continue working hard as your next state senator!

Vice-President Hartley Economic Development (2005-2011)

Alta Kiwanis Club Member (2011-present) Current Vice-President

Hartley Lion’s Club Member (2003-11) Serving terms as Vice-President and President

Alta-Aurelia Community Education Foundation Board Member (2011-current)

Founding Member of the Hartley Community Foundation

IASB Annual Convention Presenter on Reorganization and Whole Grade Sharing (2018)

Annual Iowa Homeland Security Conference Presenter on Tornado Safe Rooms (2018)

High Schools That Work (SREB) National Conference Presenter

Developed the Northwest Iowa Charter High School in partnership with Northwest Iowa Community College

Iowa High School Athletic Assoc. Representative Council (2006-2011, 2014-2018)

AEA 4  Superintendent of the Year (2008)

Established Community Daycare Centers, in Partnership with the Local School District, in the Communities of Hartley, Alta and Aurelia

Wrote numerous successful grants totaling approximately $2 million dollars for various school improvement projects, school/community tornado safe room, youth activities, and community recreational projects.


Senate District 4    Tim Kraayenbrink   Republican Party    tim.kraayenbrink@legis.iowa.gov

Tim Kraayenbrink has represented the constituents of Senate District 5 since 2015. District 5 includes Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas, and Webster counties. In the Iowa Senate, Senator Kraayenbrink serves on the Appropriations, Education, Local Government, Natural Resources and Transportation Senate Committees.

Family
Tim and his wife, Sally, of 37 years, are proud to call Iowa their home. They have raised three children and enjoy two grandchildren- Jacy Jensen, her husband, Tim, and daughter, Avery; Taylor Kraayenbrink, his wife, Ali, and daughter, Parker; and Ben Kraayenbrink. Tim and Sally have also been foster parents for over 10 years and currently reside in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Experience
Senator Kraayenbrink is a small business owner in Fort Dodge. He has been a financial advisor since 1988 and has owned and operated Kraayenbrink Financial Services since 2007, serving as a business leader in the community.

From 1982-1988, Tim was a teacher and coach in the Northwest Webster School District in Barnum, Iowa.

Background
Tim and Sally are both originally from Paullina, Iowa. After graduating high school in 1978, Tim went on to attend Northern State College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. He attended on a football scholarship and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education in 1982.

Involvement
Tim Kraayenbrink has spent his life serving his community through various church and school leadership positions. He supports several civic organizations through his membership. Both Tim and Sally enjoy serving their community and helping make a positive impact in others’ lives.


Senate District 5       David Rowley        Republican Party        david.rowley@legis.iowa.gov
 
Senator Dave Rowley, a Spirit Lake resident for over 26 years, is an insurance agent at Blum & Leonard Insurance Agency in Estherville.  He is a former Dickinson County GOP chair and alternate national delegate for the GOP National Convention in 2020.  He is the current president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI).  Senator Rowley attended the University of Iowa, receiving a B.A. in Psychology.  His background in the property & casualty insurance industry includes underwriting, marketing, insurance agency management and sales.

Rowley was elected in a special election on December 14, 2021, with 75.6% of the vote and was sworn in as Iowa Senator for District 1 on January 10, 2022.  Due to redistricting which happens after each census, he is now running for District 5 which includes the counties of Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, North Clay, Palo Alto and Winnebago.

Senator Rowley and his wife Kris have been married for 41 years.  They have four adult children and two grandchildren.  Senator Rowley has been active in his community, including the Iowa Great Lakes Rotary, the Spirit Lake Community School Foundation, The Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji.  He also enjoys playing music.  The Rowley’s are members of First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji.

Serving As Senator:

The 89th Iowa Session that began on January 10, 2022, has already passed monumental legislation to move our state forward. Just this last month, I voted to send historic tax relief to the governor’s desk, providing tax relief for all Iowans and putting into a law a 3.9 percent flat tax. This is real, permanent tax relief that has an effect on every Iowan, whether it is helping families save for a rainy day, putting money towards college for a child, or just trying to manage President Biden’s rising inflation and the rising prices at the grocery store.

That’s not all. In the Iowa Senate we have been working on policies to give parents more power over their children’s education, conservative budgeting to ensure major tax relief, and reduce burdensome regulations for Iowa businesses. We preserved the opportunity for Iowa girls to compete in school sports against other girls and not boys. But we aren’t done yet.

When I started my campaign last year, I made a promise to keep up the momentum Republicans had started and fight for policies that would bring more job opportunities to Iowa, ensure families have access to the best schools and make Iowa the best state to live, work and raise a family. I am proud to be working on these policies for our community.   I know I want to see them through and continue supporting policies just like these.

I was humbled by your support in the special election last year. Now, I am again asking for your support as I continue fighting for northwest Iowa in Des Moines.  In February, I announced my re-election bid.  I need your help to ensure conservative policies continue for Iowans.  I have a Primary opponent who moved into our state in the summer of 2020 from the Seattle area in Washington State.  I have a long record in NW Iowa as a Republican fighting for conservative values.  I will continue the fight as your Senator representing District 5. I ask for your vote on June 7th.

Will you consider a generous donation of $50, $75 or even $100?  Please send checks to Rowley for Iowa Senate, 1311 Gary Avenue, Spirit Lake, IA 51360 or make a donation on this website.

Thank you for your support. I hope I can continue to count on you as we work together to keep Iowa the best state to live, work and raise a family.


Senate District 6      Jason Schultz   Republican Party    jason.schultz@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Jason Schultz farms with his parents as they have together for over 20 years.  He served seven years in the Iowa National Guard and also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Schleswig Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years, serving for two of those as the department’s chief.  Senator Schultz has served as a member of the Horn Memorial Hospital Foundation. He also served three terms in the Iowa House, being first elected in 2008.

He and his wife, Amy, have been married since 1996 and have two daughters: Josie and Camryn. They are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig.


Senate District 7     Kevin Alons        Republican Party     kevin.alons@legis.iowa.gov
 
I believe our nation is at a critical crossroads – we can return to what made our country great, or continue a slide towards chaos and ruin.  It is my intention to do everything I possibly can to elevate our founding principles so that we might leave a strong and successful state to our kids and grandkids. 

I grew up on a family farm near Boyden (Sioux County) where I learned the value of family, hard work, and service to others.  

Following in my father’s footsteps, I enlisted in the Air National Guard as soon as I was eligible. After high school graduation, and military training, I attended college and served as a part-time jet engine mechanic. I was tasked with working on the A-7D aircraft, which also happened to be the type of plane my father was flying at the time.

I completed college, and soon thereafter married my beautiful wife Ngu. As a recent college graduate and a newlywed, I went back for more military training to be commissioned as an officer and become an Air National Guard fighter pilot. One of the highlights of my military experience was flying with my father in the same unit.

Having served for over 27 years, I am currently a Colonel at Joint Force Headquarters, Iowa National Guard, serving as the Director of Operations – Air. I continue to fly the KC-135 air refueling aircraft.  As the son of Brig. General Dwayne Alons, who also served in the Iowa House for eight terms, I have been blessed with an extraordinary example of service before self.

My military service has always been as a traditional, part-time member. My full-time employment has been software and database development. Eventually, I started a software consulting firm, Alons Software, which assists a wide range of companies with software architectural, integration, and performance objectives.

I have been active as a volunteer in many capacities around our Siouxland community: I have coached middle school basketball and soccer, taught children’s Sunday school, driven the church bus, served on the worship team, and served as a board member at Morningside Assembly.  I am also a member of the American Legion.

In addition to helping my father run for office, my political experience includes two terms as chair, and one term as treasurer, of the Woodbury Republican Central Committee. I also served as president of the Judicial Action Group, which worked to increase voter awareness of, and participation in, judicial retention elections.

Ngu and I have been married for 30 years. We have three adult children. In addition to our two daughters and a son, we welcomed a son-in-law to our family in 2018. Recently, our family grew again as they blessed us with a grandson! 

I am running for Iowa Senate because I believe Iowa has become a “beacon of hope” to the nation. It is my intention to promote public policy that honors God, cherishes and supports the family, and respects the values and traditions of our past.  As the words of our Iowa motto so clearly state, “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.”


Senate District 8   Mark Costello   Republican    mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
 
Term: 

Serving second term in Senate. Served one term in House.

Profession: 

Farmer.

Education: 

Graduated from Nishna Valley High School. Received B.A. in computer information systems from the University of Northern Iowa.

Memberships and Activities: 

Past president of Mills County Farm Bureau and member of the county legislative committee. Served as trustee for Deer Creek Township in Mills County. Elder at Sunnyside Bible Chapel in Atlantic.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1961 in Omaha, Nebraska. Raised and resides in Imogene.

Family Members: 

Wife, Rachel; four sons and one daughter.


Senate District 9       Tom Shipley      Republican Party    tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov
 
Senator Tom Shipley was born and raised in Adams County, and is the fifth generation in his family to be involved in agriculture in Adams County.

He graduated from Villisca High School in 1971 and from Iowa Western Community College in 1973. Senator Shipley earned a Bachelor’s of Science in agriculture education in 1975 from Iowa State University.

After graduating from Iowa State University, he taught VoAg from 1975 to 1978 at Fremont-Mills High School.

He has devoted much of his life to agriculture, working as a livestock production specialist for Land O’ Lakes, a feed department manager at United Farmers Merc. Coop, and director of issues and policy management for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

Senator Shipley has one daughter, a son-in-law and one granddaughter.

He always has been active in the community, serving 18 years as a member on the Villisca School Board, 22 years in the Villisca Volunteer Ambulance Service, and as an elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and choir member in the First Presbyterian Church. Senator Shipley also served as board member on the Mills/Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association, Adams County Cattlemen’s Association, and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association District 18 director. He additionally served as the Iowa membership co-chair.

Senator Shipley also has small farming operation and cow herd in Nodaway.


Senate District 10   Dan Dawson   Republican Party    dan.dawson@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Dan Dawson, an Abraham Lincoln High School graduate, is the third generation from his family to reside and work in Council Bluffs. He and his wife, Chrystal, have two children: Alex and Madelyn.

Senator Dawson graduated from Bellevue University in Bellevue, Nebraska, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration. He currently serves in the Iowa Army National Guard, where he earned his current rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three. He has honorably served his country for the past 24 years, mobilizing four times with deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan.

Senator Dawson is currently a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, where he works in the Major Crimes Unit. He is a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church of Council Bluffs, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.


Senate District 11     Julian Garrett    Republican Party     julian.garrett@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Julian Garrett is a retired attorney and farmer in the southern part of Warren County, where he lives with his wife, Nancy. They have three sons who have graduated with engineering degrees from Iowa State University.

Senator Garrett grew up on a Marion County farm where he learned about hard work and personal responsibility. He has raised purebred Charolais cattle for many years and is a long time Farm Bureau member. Senator Garrett is a member of the Lutheran Church.

He graduated from Central College in Pella and the University of Iowa Law School. Senator Garrett is a life-long Republican and has been a member of the Warren County Republican Central Committee for more than 40 years. He twice served as Ronald Reagan’s campaign chairman in the former 5th Congressional District.

Always willing to give his time to our young people, Senator Garrett was a volunteer Little League and soccer coach for more than 12 years. He served on the Indianola Little League Board of Directors for many years, and directed the County Little League post-season tournament for Warren and surrounding counties for several years. In addition, he coached middle school mock trial teams, two of which reached the state tournament.

Senator Garrett served 12 years as Iowa’s Assistant Attorney General in Charge of Consumer Protection when that office was first established. He was elected to the Iowa House in 2010 and was re-elected in 2012. He was then elected to the Iowa Senate in a special election on November 19, 2013 and re-elected in 2014. Senator Garrett was re-elected for his second term in 2018, and his third term in 2022.


Senate District 12   Amy Sinclair     Republican Party    amy.sinclair@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Amy Sinclair has had a wide array of experiences prior to serving in the Iowa Senate. She began working at the age of 13 in a local restaurant, learning the value of hard work, determination, and the value of communicating with people.

She later worked for the Ad Express/Daily Iowegian newspaper in Centerville. Senator Sinclair also taught in the Central Decatur Community Schools and at Southwestern Community College, preparing students to complete their GED testing, as well as teaching parenting and adult basic education classes. She later served as a federal grants coordinator and after-school program director for Wayne Community School District.

During two terms on the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, Senator Sinclair held numerous leadership opportunities in our county and local communities, including chairing the Iowa County Engineers’ Service Bureau board of directors and the Wayne County R.E.A.P. Commission. She was also an active board member for the 10-15 Regional Transit System, Iowa’s 5th Judicial District, South Iowa Area Crime Commission, Southeast Iowa Response Group-Hazmat Operations, Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa, and Chariton Valley Transportation Planning Affiliate.

Senator Sinclair also chaired the Allerton Public Library Board from 2000-2004 and served on the board of directors for the South Central Iowa Community Action Program. She is currently a member of the Wayne Optimists Club. She has lived, worked, and raised her family in Wayne County for more than 25 years.


Senate District 13      Cherielynn Westrich      Republican Party    cherielynn.westrich@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in House.

Profession: 

Owner of MalWood USA LLC. Hydraulic clutch pedal systems and professional car builder/restoration expert.

Education: 

Jefferson College, Hillsboro, Missouri, 1984.

Memberships and Activities: 

Member of Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra Board. Iowa Missouri Ford Club member and volunteer at Heartland Humane.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri. Resides in Ottumwa.


Senate District 14   Sarah Trone Garriott   Democrat Party    sarah.trone.garriott@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving first term in Senate.

Profession: 

Ordained minister in Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and coordinator of interfaith engagement for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network.

Education: 

Received B.A. in history from The College of Scholastica, Duluth, Minnesota; M.T.S., Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and M.Div., Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, Illinois.

Memberships and Activities: 

Serves on Child Care Advisory Committee, Human Rights Board, and Mental Health and Disability Services Commission.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1978 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Resides in Windsor Heights.

Family Members: 

Husband, Will; two sons.


Senate District 15    Tony Bisignano     Democrat Party    tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov

Tony Bisignano was re-elected to the Iowa Senate from District 15 in 2022. Tony is serving his third consecutive term representing south-central Des Moines in Polk County.

In the 1980s and ‘90s, Tony served three terms in the Iowa House and a single term in the Iowa Senate, where he was named Senate President Pro Tem.

Tony has lived on the south side of Des Moines his whole life. He’s the son of an Italian immigrant and grew up in Des Moines’s Little Italy neighborhood. He first ran for elected office at age 24.

Tony began working for Polk County at 21 in environmental sanitation and restaurant inspection. He was a policy adviser and project manager for 17 years with Polk County, and then Human Resources director, retiring after 41 years. He served seven years as president of his local AFSCME union.

Tony and his wife, Kim, raised three children, Emily, Allison and Nick. After Nick died in a car accident as a teen, Tony started the Nick Bisignano Foundation to promote responsible choices among young people. Tony is active in the SouthSide Cares charitable organization, Best Buddies of Iowa and Special Olympics.


Senate District 16     Claire Celsi    Democrat    claire.celsi@legis.iowa.gov

Claire Celsi is a small business owner and community volunteer. She dedicates her free time to advocating for public education through the group Iowans for Public Education, a grassroots group she helped to activate.

Senator Celsi was born and raised in Des Moines and has spent her career in the non-profit, political and advertising agency world before starting her business in 2009. She works with small to medium-sized companies, nonprofits and government agencies to help them get noticed through public relations, marketing and grassroots advocacy. Some of her former clients include the Des Moines Water Works, the Iowa Lottery, Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa Tourism Bureau, SILT, Kinze Manufacturing, Weitz Construction Company, the Ethanol industry – and many other organizations.

A graduate of Drake University, Celsi returns as often as she can to guest lecture or participate in panel discussions or resume workshops to help students learn how to navigate the post-college world. Claire was also an adjunct at Drake, teaching courses in internet marketing, public relations writing and social media.

In an effort to serve the public and gain knowledge about the community, Celsi has served on many boards of directors over the past 20 years, including Iowa Great Places, the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission, Beacon of Life, Central Iowa Shelter and Services and the West Des Moines Board of Adjustment.

Senator Celsi currently serves on the Family Development and Self-Sufficiency Council and the Early Childhood Iowa board and the Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communications National Advisory Board. Senator Celsi serves on the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Board of Directors. She’s a founding member of the Iowa Housing Partnership, a coalition that advocates for better affordable housing policy. Celsi is a member of the Latino College Action Network advisory board, a program operated through the Iowa Department of Human Rights.

Grassroots advocacy has been the hallmark of Claire’s political involvement over the years. When there’s an issue that needs to be solved, Claire gets to work, finds allies and gets it done. She was deeply involved in the movement to ban smoking in public places, has advocated for affordable housing projects in West Des Moines and is very active in making sure that public schools are not privatized in Iowa.

Senator Claire Celsi and her granddaughter, Mia.

In the Senate, her priorities are preserving and protecting Iowa’s public schools from privatization, restoring reproductive healthcare in Iowa, the civil rights of all Iowans, affordable quality healthcare, clean water and mental healthcare funding.

Claire is the mother of two adult children and the very proud Grandma of five-year-old Mia. Claire wants to make sure Mia has a strong public school system to attend, clean drinking water and doesn’t have to pay student loans until she turns 50.

Senator Celsi invites you to keep up with her work in the Iowa Senate.


Senate District 17     Izaah Knox    Democrat Party    izaah.knox@legis.iowa.gov

I am the Executive Director of Urban Dreams. As ED, I focus on creating new programming, strengthening and expanding the current programming, advocating, and fundraising.

Previously, I worked at Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as a consultant and Des Moines Area Community College as an adjunct, advisor, and education coordinator.

I sit on multiple boards and advisory & steering committees. I am the past-chair of the Des Moines Human and Civil Rights Commission and a tri-chair of the Capital Crossroads 2.0 Social Capital. In 2012 I was awarded the USA President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2013 I made the list of Iowa’s Most Interesting and Influential People by the Des Moines Register, was named a Register Person to Watch in 2015, and in 2016 selected as a Des Moines Business Record’s Forty Under 40.

I am a two-time Drake University graduate, an undergraduate in journalism, and a master’s in Education. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University.

I'm married to Jenna. We have three kids: Chance, Porter, and Johnnie. We love to travel and are always on-the-go.

I currently sit on the board of directors for the Community Choice Credit Union, the Guardian Project, Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, the Simpson College Board of Trustees, the Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, and I Commissioner for the City of Des Moines Human and Civil Rights Commission.

My Masters in Leadership from Drake focused on Urban Revitalization. My Ph.D. dissertation focuses on upward mobility within depressed urban areas.


Senate District 18  Janet Petersen   Democrat Party     janet.petersen@legis.iowa.gov

Janet Petersen is serving her third term in the Iowa Senate, and previously served six terms in the Iowa House of Representatives. She represents Senate District 18, which includes the Beaverdale, Merle Hay, downtown and Racoon River areas in Des Moines. 

Janet was the first woman elected to serve as Iowa Senate Democratic Leader (2017-2020).

Whether it’s sponsoring and passing Iowa’s Smokefree Air Act, advancing stronger domestic abuse prevention laws, fighting to extend the statute of limitations for abuse victims, helping Iowans get better healthcare, or cracking down on corruption in state government, Janet knows how to bring people together and push policy ideas that matter.

Janet is a passionate advocate for children and families. As a young girl, she saw first-hand how life can change in an instant when her dad died of melanoma. Fortunately for Janet and her sister Barb, their mom had an education to fall back on, which prevented them from slipping into poverty. That is one of the reasons Janet is a supporter of public education and equal pay for equal work.

Janet’s mom has always been a strong, steady force in her life. She taught her the importance of showing up for people, just as friends, family and neighbors did for them when they needed help. Janet carries that belief with her, showing up for Iowans with policies that can help them succeed and regain their footing when life throws an unexpected curveball.

Outside of the Legislature, Janet founded a nonprofit organization called Healthy Birth Day, Inc., with four other Des Moines-area moms. The organization is best known for its Count the Kicks campaign that educates parents-to-be on how to track their babies’ movements to reduce their risk of stillbirth. Its lifesaving message has spread around the globe with parents-to-be using the free Count the Kicks app in all 50 states and 150 countries.

Janet lives north of Beaverdale, not far from where she grew up, with her husband Brian Pattinson, an Ames native, and their three kids – Charlie, Maggie and Buck.


Senate District 19    Ken Rozenboom    Republican Party    ken.rozenboom@legis.iowa.gov

A farmer, agri-businessman and life-long Iowan, Senator Ken Rozenboom was born in Mahaska County. He is a graduate of Pella Christian High School and attended Calvin College in Michigan. After college, he returned home to farm with his father and brother before taking a position in sales and production management for Wake’s Inc., a local agricultural supplier, where he worked for 30 years. He and his brother continue to operate Rosewood Farms, a family farming operation in rural Mahaska County.

Senator Rozenboom’s public service began when he was elected to the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors, where he served on the boards of the Eighth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Ten-Fifteen Transit Board, Central Iowa Detention Center, Area 15 Regional Planning Commission, and the AHEAD Regional Housing Trust Fund, along with other committee assignments.

Besides his farm and family life and Board of Supervisors work, Senator Rozenboom has served as an elder and deacon in the Bethel Christian Reformed Church and served several years on the board for the Oskaloosa Christian School. He served on community boards for many years, including a stint as chairman on two local agencies: the Human Services Resource Council, an organization that provides emergency needs for low income families, and the Christian Opportunity Center board, which provides residential and vocational services for special needs adults. Additionally, Senator Rozenboom is a member of the Mahaska County Farm Bureau.

Senator Rozenboom is married, and he and his wife, Becky, have two children. Their daughter and son-in-law live in New South Wales, Australia, and have three children. Their adult son lives and works near Vienna, Austria, and has one child.


Senate District 20     Nate Boulton    Democrat    nate.boulton@legis.iowa.gov
 
Nate Boulton was elected to his second term in the Iowa Senate in 2020. He represents the people of Senate District 20, encompassing east Des Moines, Berwick, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, and southwest Ankeny.

Senator Boulton is an Assistant Democratic Leader.

Nate’s career focuses on Iowa workers and their families: fighting for fairness in the workplace, standing up against wrongful terminations and advocating for injured workers.

Nate is a partner with Hedberg & Boulton, where he practices in workers compensation, personal injury and labor law. He earned his law degree from Drake Law School in 2005 and was admitted to the Iowa bar that year. He also holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Drake University and a Bachelor’s in history and political science from Simpson College.

Nate has served as vice-president of the Iowa Association for Justice and as president of the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Advisory Committee. He has served as a grader for the Iowa Bar Exam.

Prior to being elected to the Iowa Senate, Nate dedicated time to teaching and taught courses in labor law at Drake Law School, sports law and business law at Simpson College, and organizational management, and moral leadership at William Penn University.

Nate grew up in Columbus Junction. He now lives in east Des Moines with his wife, Andrea, who works for the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, and two daughters, Gwyneth and Alys.


Senate District 21   Mike Bousselot     Republican Party    mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov

Mike is an Iowan. He grew up here, went to school here, and has made his life here in business and in public service. Today, he lives with his wife Holly in Ankeny and serves as State Representative for Ankeny and North Polk County in Iowa House District 37.

Mike is an experienced public servant. He worked for former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as an advisor, legal counsel, and as chief of staff. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds appointed Mike as Budget Director and Director of the Iowa Department of Management.

Mike is a businessman. Mike graduated from Davenport Central High School and attended the University of Iowa for undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting. After graduation, Mike worked at Deloitte and Touche before moving to Des Moines to attend Drake University Law School. He has worked in law, agriculture, and financial services before starting his own land and real estate businesses.

Mike is one of us. He has made his life, business, and public service here in Iowa. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Sports Foundation, which hosts the Iowa Games, co-founded Professionals for Charity, and is an active member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ankeny. Growing up in Davenport, both of Mike’s parents came from farm families, working for and retiring from John Deere.


Senate District 22     Brad Zaun    Republican Party    brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Brad Zaun was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2004. Before serving in the Iowa Senate, Senator Zaun was the mayor of Urbandale, and owner and operator of Zaun’s Trustworthy Hardware. He is currently Director of Sales at Master Dowel in Ankeny.

Senator Zaun gives back to his community by serving on various boards and commissions. He is a past board member of the Greater Dallas County Development Alliance, the Greater Des Moines Animal Rescue League, Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association and a current member of the Urbandale Breakfast Lions Club to name a few.

Senator Zaun finds time for his biking hobby, his family, and enjoys time with the love of his life, Dede. He and Dede live in Urbandale and have five children, Zac, Bailey (Husband: Ryan), Drew (Wife: Taylor), Greyson and Devon, and one grandson, Cooper.

Employment Highlights: Owner of Zaun’s Trustworthy Hardware (1988-2005), Vice President R&R Realty (2005-2012), Director of Sales & Marketing Grapnel Tech Services (2012-2020) Director of Sales Master Dowel (2014-Current)

Civic/Professional Organizations: Past State of Iowa Child Support Advisory Board, Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates board member, Past Generation Iowa Commission member, Mid Iowa Small Business Development Center board member

Elected Offices Held: Mayor of Urbandale (1988-2004), Urbandale City Council (1996-1998) Iowa Senate (2005-Current)

Honors: 1994 nominee for the Iowa/Nebraska Entrepreneur of the Year, 2001, 40 Under 40 Award recipient, inducted into the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2004, 2021 Hoover Presidential Foundation Uncommon Public Service Award

Education: Grandview College, Ellsworth Community College


Senate District 23     Jack Whitver     Republican Party    jack.whitver@legis.iowa.gov
 
A lifelong Iowan, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver grew up in Grinnell and graduated from Iowa State University. While at Iowa State he was a three-year starter as wide receiver for the Iowa State Cyclones football team.

An entrepreneur at heart, Senator Whitver began his first small business immediately following graduation from Iowa State University and has grown that into various businesses. Both the values he was raised with and the experience of founding and growing a small business have shaped his political philosophy. In 2012, Senator Whitver graduated from Drake University Law School.

Senator Whitver was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2011 and has served in various leadership roles in the Iowa Senate. He was elected Iowa Senate President by his colleagues in November 2016 after the Republicans gained control of the Iowa Senate. In March 2018 Senator Whitver was elected to the position of Senate Majority Leader and was reelected to the Senate’s top leadership position after the 2020 election and the 2022 election.  

He and his wife Rachel have three children.


Senate District       24       Jesse Green      Republican Party    jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Jesse Green is a fifth-generation farmer, born and raised just outside of Harcourt. He farms corn, beans, oats, hay, bucking horses for rodeo and riding purposes, and longhorn cattle for roping with his father, brother and nephew. He also previously has taught Bible classes to 5th-8th graders at Community Christian School in Fort Dodge. Senator Green is currently volunteering by teaching Pilgrims Progress at Trinity Lutheran School in Boone.

Senator Green has been engaged in his community since joining the Webster County Farm Bureau and the Dayton Rodeo and Celebration Committee at age 24. He served the Dayton Rodeo for over six years in various positions including chairman for many of those years. He is the youngest chairman in Dayton rodeo history, which spans over 80 years. Additionally, he received the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Top 10 Under 40 Young Professionals Award in 2017.


Senate District      25        Herman Quirmbach     Democrat Party    herman.quirmbach@legis.iowa.gov

Herman Quirmbach was elected in 2022 to his sixth term in the Iowa Senate. He represents Senate District 25, which includes almost all of the city of Ames and also Grant Township in Story County.

Senator Quirmbach is an Assistant Democratic Leader.

Herman represents the Senate on the College Student Aid Commission, the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Commission, the Iowa Comprehensive Health Insurance Association Board, the School Finance Formula Review Committee, and the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.

Herman is active in the Ames Kiwanis Club, the League of Women Voters of Ames and Story County, the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and the Story County Democratic Party.  He has also served as Co-Chair of the Ames Veterans Memorial Committee and is currently the Treasurer and Past President of the Ames Patriotic Council.

Herman has received a number of awards for his Senate service, including:

  • Exemplary Service Award from Iowa Alliance for Arts Education (2016)
  • Education Award from the NAACP-Ames Branch (2016)
  • Pacesetter Award from the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (2013)
  • Safe Community Partners Award from the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (2012)
  • Gift of Clean Air Champion Award from CAFE Iowa (2012)
  • Iowa League of Cities’ Legislative Service Award (2010)
  • Public Health Award for Smoke-free Leadership, Story County Tobacco Task Force (2008)
  • Stick Your Neck Out Award from the National Association for the Mentally Ill (2005)

He served on the Ames City Council from 1995 through 2003 and was Ames Mayor Pro Tem in 2002. He has been a member of the Story County REAP Committee, the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Board, and the Ames Utility Retirement Board.

Herman graduated from Brookfield (WI) Central High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with honors from Harvard University in 1972 and Masters (1980) and PhD (1983) degrees in Economics from Princeton University. He served for 29 years as an economics professor at Iowa State University.


Senate District 26      Jeff Edler     Republican Party    jeff.edler@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Jeff Edler and his wife, Stephanie, have been married since 1998 and live on a farm north of State Center. They are the parents of six beautiful children: Wyatt, Whitney, Sienna, Elizabeth, Aubrey, and last but certainly not least, Sawyer.

Senator Edler graduated from West Marshall High School in State Center and Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Studies. He is self-employed as a farmer and partner with his brother, Justin Edler, who he has farmed with since 1996. Senator Edler served as director on the Consumers Energy Board of Directors from 2006-2018, where he had presided as president of the Board of Directors from 2010-2016.

Senator Edler was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2016. He enjoys spending time with his family and working on the farm. He is also an honorary member of the State Center Fire Department, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in State Center, and is a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).


Senate District 27     Annette Sweeney       Republican Party      annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov

An Iowa native, Senator Annette Sweeney grew up on a family farm near Buckeye. After graduating from college, she educated middle school students as a teacher of English and speech. Upon her father’s untimely death in 1983, Senator Sweeney moved back home to Buckeye to the family farm with her mother and sister. She and her husband, Dave, still operate the farm today.

Senator Sweeney has deep connections to Iowa’s agriculture community. During her time as a state representative, Sweeney served as chair of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee. Most recently, she served as Iowa Rural Development Director for the United States Department of Agriculture.

Senator Sweeney has served in numerous professional and community leadership positions with various organizations, including the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Women in Agriculture, Hardin County Assessor Board and Review, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Iowa 4-H, Iowa Angus Association, and Congressman Tom Latham’s Ag Advisory Task Force.


Senate District 28       Dennis Guth        Republican Party      dennis.guth@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Dennis Guth has called a farm just north of Klemme his home since birth. He graduated from Klemme Community School in 1973, and with a degree in Agricultural Mechanization from Iowa State University in 1977.

Senator Guth has served on several church boards, along with the Klemme Area Development Organization, Hancock County Pork Producers, Hancock County Farm Bureau and FAMILY LEADER/Iowa Family Policy Center.

Senator Guth has been married to his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Campbell), for over 40 years. Together they have five adult children – three of which are married – and many delightful grandchildren.


Senate District 29     Sandy Salmon       Republican Party      sandy.salmon@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fifth term in House.

Profession: 

Family farm owner and retired home educator.

Education: 

Graduated from Kingsley-Pierson High School. Received B.A. in business management from the University of Northern Iowa.

Military Service: 

U.S. Marine Corps.

Memberships and Activities: 

NICHE (state homeschool organization), Farm Bureau, Marine Corps League, Bremer County Corn Growers, and Black Hawk County Republican Women. Served as a 4-H leader in Black Hawk County and with Metro Home Educators (Waterloo/Cedar Falls).

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1955 in Lawton, Oklahoma. Raised on a farm near Kingsley and resides near Janesville.

Family Members: 

Husband, Matt; three sons and 12 grandchildren.


Senate District 30   Waylon Brown       Republican Party      waylon.brown@legis.iowa.gov
 
Senator Waylon Brown is a small businessman, and a former member of the Mitchell County Farm Bureau Board and the St. Ansgar Planning and Zoning Board. A St. Ansgar High School graduate, he owns a construction company and farms in Worth and Mitchell counties.

Senator Brown and his wife, Julie, have two children.


Senate District 31      Bill Dotzler      Democrat Party     bill.dotzler@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Bill Dotzler was elected in 2022 to his sixth term in the Iowa Senate, and previously served three terms in the Iowa House. He represents Senate District 31, which includes most of the city of Waterloo.

In addition to his legislative work, Senator Dotzler served on the Board at the Iowa Institute for Public Leadership and as a member of the 21st Century Workforce Council and the Governor’s Housing Task Force. He currently serves on the Iowa Workforce Development Board, the Innovation Council, the Small Business Development Council, UNI’s Institute for Decision Making Advisory Council and the Governor’s Future Ready Iowa Task Force.

Dotzler has served his community as chair of the Board of Directors for the Waterloo Nursing Association, president of the Friends of Hartman Reserve Nature Center, and charter president of Cedar Trails Partnership. He was also on the initial Board of Directors of Black Hawk Leadership.

Senator Dotzler was in the United States Army Security Agency, Military Intelligence from 1969-72. Before receiving an Honorable Discharge, he was an Honor Graduate in Special Identification Techniques Operator School in Fort Devens, Massachusetts. He received Top Secret Cryptographic Security Clearance and did his Tour of Duty in Berlin, Germany, from 1970-72.

Dotzler has received numerous special recognitions and awards, including the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, the Governor’s Special Recognition Award, and the Governor’s Lifesaving Award. In 2000, he received the International Citation Award for workforce development, an award once granted to President Kennedy.

Dotzler graduated from Cedar Falls High school in 1966. He received his Associate of Arts degree from North Iowa Area Community College in 1969 and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.

He is retired from John Deere Waterloo Works, where he was employed as a Machine Operator and Labor Representative. He also worked for Area 7 Job Training Administration. 


Senate District 32     Mike Klimesh      Republican Party    mike.klimesh@legis.iowa.gov
 
Senator Mike Klimesh graduated in 1987 from South Winneshiek High School. He graduated from Luther College in 1991 with a degree in political science. 

Senator Klimesh met his wife, Kate, when they were students at Luther College. The couple’s son, Benjamin, continuing the family tradition, now also attends Luther College. Since graduating from Luther, Senator Klimesh has managed Graphics Inc. for 20 years and served a total of 22 years as the mayor of Spillville. 

Community is important to Senator Klimesh, who has served on the emergency management commission, the Winneshiek County Economic Development Board, and Winneshiek County Tourism. He has also served on the Winneshiek County Community Foundation Board, the Winneshiek County Mayors Coalition, and several other boards and commissions.


Senate District 33    Carrie Koelker     Republican Party     carrie.koelker@legis.iowa.gov

Through her work at the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association and the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, Senator Carrie Koelker has over two decades of experience strengthening communities in Eastern Iowa. Senator Koelker takes pride in promoting Iowa’s people and places, whether it is small town hospitality or big city excitement. That experience in economic development provides her with the knowledge and experience to benefit economic development efforts in rural Iowa.

Senator Koelker is a lifelong Iowan and a mother of four. She is deeply engaged with her community, serving on the board of the Dyersville Area Community Foundation, the Iowa Tourism Industry Partners, Enhance Iowa, Greater Dubuque Economic Development, Iowa Finance Authority, Midwest Higher Education Compact, and the Beckman High School Booster Club.


Senate District 34      Dan Zumbach      Republican Party      dan.zumbach@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving second term in Senate.

Profession: 

Farmer.

Education: 

Graduated from West Delaware High School in Manchester.

Memberships and Activities: 

Served on West Delaware School Board, Delaware County Fair Board, and Peace Lutheran Church Council. Serves as 4-H leader and IHSAA wrestling official.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1960 in Monticello. Raised and resides near Ryan.

Family Members: 

Wife, Michelle; two daughters, two sons, and three grandchildren.


Senate District 35    Chris Cournoyer       Republican Party      chris.cournoyer@legis.iowa.gov

As a small business owner, mother of four children, substitute teacher, member of the Iowa Governor’s STEM Council, President of the Quad City Engineering & Science Council, former president of the Pleasant Valley Community School Board, and reserve deputy for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Senator Chris Cournoyer is passionate about strengthening our economy, our schools, and our communities.

Senator Cournoyer has a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science from the University of Texas. After college, she worked as a senior consultant in the Technology Division at Andersen Consulting, serving in the Ecommerce Community of Practice. Since 1997, Senator Cournoyer has worked as a self-employed website designer and developer. Recently, she got her substitute authorization and is helping with the substitute teacher shortage in school districts in her area.

Senator Cournoyer has been involved in numerous ways in her community throughout the years, including:

  • Member and Past President, Pleasant Valley Community School District, Board of Directors
  • Reserve Deputy, Scott County Sheriff’s Department
  • NRA Certified Basic Pistol Instructor
  • Junior League of the Quad Cities, Advocacy Committee and Social Media Chair
  • Appointed by Governor Terry Branstad to the Southeast Iowa STEM Advisory Board to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in our region and across the state
  • Member, North Scott Rotary Club, Group Study Exchange Participant to Bavaria, Germany
  • Cub Scout Pack 88 Den Leader; Executive Board Member
  • Quad City Engineering & Science Council, Past President, Executive Board, Communications Chair
  • Friends of the LeClaire Community Library, Past President, Secretary, Board Member
  • Mentor for Iowa Girls Code, a team of PVHS girls interested in Computer Science, facilitated “Hour of Code” for over 500 elementary students to learn about computer programming
  • Helped organize the Pleasant Valley High School Trapshooting team
  • Coach for FIRST LEGO League and FIRST LEGO League Jr.
  • Pleasant Valley Junior High School and Cody Elementary School: PTA President
  • LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Secretary, Membership Chairperson, Newsletter Committee, Outstanding Volunteer Award; Outstanding Recruitment Award
  • Volunteer Basketball, baseball and soccer coach

Senator Cournoyer has also been named one of “20 People Who Make A Difference” by the Bettendorf News/Quad City Times and named “Iowa Women of Innovation – STEM Champion” by the Technology Association of Iowa.


Senate District 36      Pam Jochum     Democrat Party    pam.jochum@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving fourth term in Senate. Served eight terms in House.

 Education: 

Graduated from Wahlert High School. Received B.A. in speech communication from Loras College.

Memberships and Activities: 

Past chairperson, Dubuque County Democratic Party; past organizer for candidates From the School House to the White House; and national delegate and presidential staff member at 1980 and 1984 Democratic National Conventions. Member, past or present, of League of Women Voters, Northend Neighborhood Association, Ark Advocates, Farmers Union, CROP Walk, Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, Mental Health America, Greater DBQ Development Corporation, and Special Olympics Iowa.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1954 in Dubuque. Resides in Dubuque.

Family Members: 

Daughter, Sarah (1977-2018).


Senate District 37     Molly Donahue       Democrat Party    molly.donahue@legis.iowa.gov

Molly was born and raised in Cedar Rapids Metro where she graduated from Washington High School, the school where she now teaches. 

Raised in a family with deep Iowa connections, Molly learned the value of hard work from her parents and as a teen, working to save for college.

As a 31-year veteran teacher, Molly is running for the State Senate with the same values she was raised with and instills in her students –  hard work, integrity, and equality.

Molly is proud to live and work in the community that she wants to represent. 

“Being invested in the success of your neighbors is the key to making good choices at the State Senate.”


Senate District 38    Eric Giddens     Democrat Party     eric.giddens@legis.iowa.gov

Term: 

Serving second term in Senate.

Profession: 

Energy Program Manager at the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education.

Education: 

Received bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, 1997. Received master of science degree in political science (applied community and economic development), 2003. Received secondary math teacher certification from Western Governor’s University, 2009.

Memberships and Activities: 

Education Commission of the States, UNI Center for Educational Transformation Advisory Council, Aldo Leopold Distinguished Lecture Series Planning Committee, Imagining America Advisory Board, American Democracy Project Advisory Board, Alumnus of UNI Provost’s Leadership Academy, Dry Run Creek Advisory Board, Cedar Valley Economic Inclusion Network, Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa Board of Directors. Past member of Cedar Falls Community School District Board of Education, Cedar Falls Food Co-op’s Investment Campaign Committee, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Scholarship Selection Committee, World’s Window Board of Directors.

Birth and Residence: 

Born in 1973 in Valdosta, Georgia. Resides in Cedar Falls.

Family Members: 

Wife, Kendra Wohlert; one son.


Senate District 39      Liz Bennett       Democrat Party    liz.bennett@legis.iowa.gov

Liz Bennett is a State Representative from Cedar Rapids. Now serving her fourth term in the State House, Liz is known for

her passionate advocacy for the people of her district and for having the courage to do what is right, even when it's politically difficult.

Liz has been endorsed by Sen. Rob Hogg, Sen. Claire Celsi, Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt, Former Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, and may others. Read more here.

Liz is running for State Senate in Cedar Rapids because in these political times, Iowa needs proven, progressive leadership with heart. 

As a young professional, former trainer for a tech company and 11 year veteran of the tech industry in Iowa,  Liz has a special understanding of the types of skills today’s children need in order to be successful in the workforce, as well as the types of jobs Iowa needs.

Known for her skill in building working relationships, Liz is one of few Democrats in the State House to have written and passed legislation under Republican leadership.

Outside of the legislature, Liz is a member of American Federation of Musicians (AFM Local 137), volunteers with the German Shepherd Dog Rescue of Iowa, and is a former volunteer for Cedar Rapids AniMeals. She has served on the Iowa Governor's Council STEM Advisory Council and currently serves on the Kirkwood Community College Liberal Arts Advisory Committee. 


Senate District 40    Todd Taylor    Democrat Party    todd.taylor@legis.iowa.gov

Todd Taylor was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018 after serving in the Iowa House of Representatives for 24 years. He represents Senate District 40, which includes northwest Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Robins.

Todd is a career labor leader who retired after 28 years as a staff representative for AFSCME. Todd serves on the executive board of the Hawkeye Labor Council. He serves on the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Selection Board and the Linn County Democratic Central Committee. He is a member of the Community of Christ Church and Boy Scouts of America and volunteers for HACAP’s annual food drive through the Hawkeye Area Labor Council.

He previously served on the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council and Commission on Elder Affairs.

Todd received the Humane Legislator of the Year Award from the Humane Society of the United States in 2007 and Labor Arbitration Institute Awards in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2002. 

Todd and his wife, Kim, live in Cedar Rapids and have two children.


Senate District 41    Kerry Gruenhagen     Republican Party        kerry.gruenhagen@legis.iowa.gov

 Kerry has been married to his wife Kali for 8 years. Together they have a blended family with a son, three daughters, and two grandchildren. He has lived in Walcott most of his 52 years. Kerry and his family are members of Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport.

Kerry is a 5th generation farmer, and a small business owner.  He enjoys the opportunity to farm with his father and his son in Scott and Muscatine Counties, while also maintaining investments in Davenport.

With professional and personal connections in Cedar, Scott, and Muscatine Counties, Kerry is uniquely suited to serve the citizens of Senate District 41 in urban, rural, and agricultural issues in the State legislature. 

Kerry has been a member of the Muscatine County Farm Bureau since 1994 and a member of the Muscatine Board since 2010. In addition to serving on various board committees, he has served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and recently completed his term as board President. 

Kerry is an organizer and former co-host of the Quad City Conservative Breakfast Club, an informational discussion group. 

Kerry is an advocate for agriculture, economic growth, and conservative policies.


Senate District    42     Charlie McClintock    Republican Party     charlie.mcclintock@legis.iowa.gov

I was born and raised in Iowa and have lived in Alburnett for over 22 years.  

I have a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from University of Phoenix and will complete my MBA in Criminal Justice from Liberty University this year.
I retired in 2009 from the Iowa Army National Guard as a Warrant Officer after serving 21 years.  I currently serve as the 911 Manager for the Cedar Rapids Police Department, where I began as a police officer in 1994.

I have served as a councilman and mayor of Alburnett, and understand the complex issues a rural community faces. On November 3rd, 2020, I was elected as the District 95 Represenative to the Iowa House. Now, I am the Republican nominee for Iowa Senate District 42. 


Senate District 43     Zach Wahls   Democrat Party    zach.wahls@legis.iowa.gov

Zach Wahls was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018. He was elected to his second term in 2022, representing Senate District 43, which includes Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, part of western Iowa City, and rural northeast Johnson County.

Senator Wahls has served as the Iowa Senate Democratic Leader since November 2020.

Zach ran for the Iowa Senate to give all Iowans a voice. Growing up in a non-traditional family, he learned early in life what it felt like to be left out, and he remembers how hard families like his had to fight to get a seat at the table.

Prior to his election, Zach worked primarily as an advocate in the LGBTQ civil rights movement following his 2011 testimony before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee in defense of marriage equality and his “two mom” family. In this capacity, he wrote extensively about his family’s experience, including a best-selling book, and has spoken to hundreds of audiences, including a prime-time speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. 

An Eagle Scout, Zach co-founded and led Scouts for Equality, which successfully executed a national campaign to end discrimination against LGBTQ people in the Boy Scouts of America.

Outside of the Legislature, Zach serves as the Vice President for Community Investment and Development at GreenState Credit Union, Iowa’s largest financial cooperative. He also owns and operates a small business with his sister, selling custom-made playing cards, and he is a co-owner of his family tree farm in northeast Iowa.

Zach completed his Masters in Public Affairs from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs in 2018 and his Bachelors from the University of Iowa in 2014. He married his wife, Dr. Chloe Angyal, in 2021, and they live with their dog, Zelda, in Coralville.


Senate District 44      Adrian Dickey     Republican Party    adrian.dickey@legis.iowa.gov

A father of two, Senator Adrian Dickey has been a lifelong Packwood resident. He earned a Bachelor of Technology degree with magna cum laude honors, graduating in just three years from the University of Northern Iowa.

He had worked in the family business his grandfather started in 1959 since he was 13. Upon graduation from UNI, he accepted a full-time position at Dickey Transport loading trucks. He progressed throughout his time there, eventually becoming the president of Dickey Transport.

Senator Dickey currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Iowa Motor Truck Association. He has been a member of several local groups and boards, including as a board member and past president of the Jefferson County Hospital Foundation (2004-2013), a member of the Iowa Firefighters Association for 30 years, and an officer and member of the Packwood Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (1992- present).

Senator Dickey is a past parish council member and active in Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Fairfield.


Senate District 45     Janice Weiner     Democrat Party    janice.weiner@legis.iowa.gov
 
Janice Weiner grew up in a politically aware family in Coralville, Iowa and has carried that with her her entire life – through her Foreign Service career to today. 

Janice is a graduate of Iowa City’s West High School. She spent her senior year as an AFS exchange student in Belgium, which opened her mind to the world. She credits her public school education with her admission to Princeton University, and later Stanford Law School.

Janice joined the U.S. State Department in 1987. Her first posting was in East Berlin, both before and after the Berlin Wall fell, an experience that combined totalitarianism with a peaceful grassroots revolution. She served in Belgium, then Turkey, where she won awards as Embassy human rights officer during the height of the PKK insurgency and adopted her older daughter. Subsequent posts included Washington; Warsaw, Poland (when she adopted her younger daughter); Toronto, Canada; Mexico City, Mexico; and Düsseldorf, Germany as Consul General. Her final posting was in Washington, liaising with Capitol Hill, all while single parenting.

After retiring from the Foreign Service, Janice worked for the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the bargaining unit and professional association of the Foreign Service.  Janice moved home to Iowa in 2015 with her younger daughter, who graduated from West High in 2018. Her young granddaughter – now 4 – has lived with her since she was 11 months old, so she is “single parenting” again and viewing Iowa through the child-raising lens.

Janice is currently an at-large member of Iowa City City Council and serves as president of the board of Agudas Achim synagogue. She has served on the boards of Shelter House and UNA/USA and is a member of the program committee of the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council. She has worked at all levels of the Democratic Party in Iowa. She is a founding member of the grassroots group Potluck Insurgency. She enjoys playing with the Community Band and helping out at Free Lunch when the Dems take their turn. She worked as a short-term substitute teacher for ICCSD and was executive director of the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC).

In the Foreign Service, she forged relationships across the political spectrum, with all walks of life and all socio-economic levels. She learned to listen, ask questions, and learn. In 1984, Janice ran Get Out the Vote for the Iowa Democrats in Johnson County (when Harkin was first elected to the US Senate). In fall 2016, she dusted off her grassroots political skills and worked for three intensive months as a field organizer. The results of the 2016 elections deepened her determination to ensure that good, progressive candidates who care about all the people get into office. She believes that we are all ultimately measured by how well we treat those who have the least; she is committed to combating racism at all levels, pushing for equity, voting rights, women’s reproductive rights, child care, public education and – in the face of the ongoing pandemic – promoting public health.


Senate District 46    Dawn Driscoll    Republican Party   dawn.driscoll@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Dawn Driscoll is a sixth-generation farmer and a mother of three. She was the past president of the Iowa County Farm Bureau, and has been an active volunteer in her community, including chairman of the Ag in the Classroom program in schools and nursing homes, coaching volleyball and basketball, and being a religious education teacher, 4-H community leader, and a preschool board president.

Senator Driscoll has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Western Illinois University. Along with being a recruiter in the agriculture industry, she raises Angus cattle and farms with her family in rural Iowa County.


Senate District 47     Scott Webster     Republican Party    scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
 
Scott Webster owns Premier Customs Homes, Webster Properties, and Quad City Disposal. He is a former president of the Iowa Homebuilders Association and Quad City Builders and Remodelers Association.

Webster is also active in his community, serving on the Bettendorf City Council for 8 years. Previously, he also served on the Bettendorf 4th of July Committee, Student Trades Committee, and the Family Museum strategic plan committee. Webster and his wife, Brenda, have two teenage daughters.

Senate District 47 encompasses Bettendorf, Eldridge, Pleasant Valley, Riverdale, and LeClaire.


Senate District 48      Mark Lofgren      Republican Party     mark.lofgren@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Mark Lofgren earned his B.B.A in finance from the University of Iowa. His professional experience includes careers in both the real estate and investment industries, formerly owning and operating Lofgren Investments, and a real estate business. He is currently a real estate associate with Exit Realty Group in Muscatine, where he specializes in both residential and commercial real estate. He is a certified negotiation expert, and has earned Chartered Financial Consultant, Certified Residential Specialist, Graduate of Real Estate Institute, and Accredited Commercial Professional designations. He served two terms in the Iowa House before being elected to the Iowa Senate in 2016.

Senator Lofgren is a lifelong resident of Iowa. He has been married to his wife, Paula, for over 30 years. They have four children: Emily, Olivia, Maggie, and Markus, and three granddaughters and one grandson. Senator Lofgren is a former track, basketball, and soccer coach for the Muscatine Community Y and Youth Sports Foundation. He also is an avid runner in his free time.


Senate District 49      Cindy Winckler      Democrat Party    cindy.winckler@legis.iowa.gov

Cindy Winckler is serving her 11th term in the Iowa House.  She has been a member of the Economic Development budget subcommittee, ranking member of the Labor and Industrial Relations committee, and chair and ranking member of the Education Appropriations budget subcommittee.  She has also served on the Agriculture, Judiciary, Ways and Means, Human Resources and Labor Committees.  She is presently Ranking Member of the Education Appropriations subcommittee and serves on the Appropriations, Education, Environmental Protection and Local Government committees. Cindy is also an ex-officio member of the Iowa College Student Aid Commission and a Commissioner with the Education Commission of the States.

Cindy Winckler was born in Des Moines, Iowa.  She moved to Davenport when she was young, and has continued to be a part of the Davenport community throughout her adult years.  Public service has been a part of her family background.  Her dad owned the snack bar at the Scott County Court House, through an agreement with the county and the disabled veterans’ organization.  Her mother was a long-time deputy city clerk and city alderman.

She is a graduate of West High School in Davenport. She earned a BSE in Home Economics from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) and her master’s degree in Educational Technology from the University of Northern Iowa.  While earning her master’s degree, she received First Place in the UNI research award for her paper, “Building an Instructional Model for High Schools of the 21st Century.” 

Cindy has been a family and consumer science teacher in small and large school districts in Iowa – Davis County, Pleasant Valley, Calamus and Davenport.  She retired as a Quality Learning Consultant with the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency in Bettendorf and continues her work on education equity issues.  In her capacity as a Quality Learning Consultant, she worked with teachers, administrators and school districts to plan and implement student achievement initiatives.  Cindy was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in February 2000.  

Cindy and her husband, Joe, have been married since 1973.  They have two adult children, Joseph Bradley and Courtney Elizabeth.  Her son, Joe, his wife Jennifer, and sons Alex and Jack reside in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  Courtney and her husband Jeff and their children EJ, Haley, Meghan and Samuel reside in Bloomington, Illinois.  

Cindy has been a member of Business and Professional Women for many years, and served as national president of that organization in 1994-95.  She gained her passion for issues relating to civil rights, workplace equity, access to quality education and assuring that quality healthcare is available to everyone through the legislative initiatives of this bipartisan organization.  

She has received the Legislator of the Year twice for the Area 9 Counseling Association. Cindy was named a national Flemming Fellow, class of 2003, and participated in the Council of State Government Midwest Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development program during the summer of 2004. Cindy was recognized by the Iowa Library Association as an outstanding leader, receiving the Ted Anderson Advocacy Award in 2007. She was also recognized for her significant contributions to the profession of nursing and the healthcare of Iowans with the 2007 Friend of Nursing award, and received the Advocacy award from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences – Iowa Affiliate 2013 Public Service award. . She has served as Chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference Innovations Selection Committee and as a member of the Education committee with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Cindy was a member of the Leadership Partnership with School Administrators of Iowa, the Department of Education Advisory Board for the University of Northern Iowa, and the Scott County Kids Early Iowa Board. In May of 2021, she received the 2021 Political Friend of Education Award from the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.  On July16. 2021, she received The Iowa Delta Social Action Trailblazer Award from the Davenport Alum Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Cindy is currently serving as a commissioner on the Education Commission of the States. She is a member of the Davenport Schools Network for Community and School Partnerships.


Senate District 50    Jeff Reichman      Republican Party      jeff.reichman@legis.iowa.gov

Senator Jeff Reichman has served in the United States Marine Corps for 29 years, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, completing assignments as Director of Operations and Special Staff Officers for Base Commander, also including two tours in Iraq. He graduated from Keokuk Senior High School, earned his associate degree from Southeastern Community College, and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan with a business administration degree. He is a small business owner and lives in Montrose.