DES MOINES, Iowa – U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, endorsed former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer’s campaign for the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s U.S. Senate race.
I'm so excited to be endorsed by my good friend @Axne4Congress! She knows that I'll never lose touch with the needs of working families in Iowa, and I can't wait to continue our work, together! pic.twitter.com/axO0RJ7FQd
— Abby Finkenauer (@Abby4Iowa) August 2, 2021
Axne stumped for Finkenauer at an event at Peace Tree Brewery on Monday. She and Finkenauer served as freshmen members of Congress together during the 116th Congress. Axne won re-election in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, but Finkenauer lost to then State Representative Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District race in 2020.
Finkenauer announced her candidacy on July 22.
Axne’s endorsement ended speculation that she would run for U.S. Senate. It is also an indication that establishment Democrats are lining up behind Finkenauer in what is soon to be a four-way race for the nomination.
In addition to Finkenauer, former Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer of Manilla and Minden physician Dr. Glenn Hurst have entered the race. Former Admiral Michael Franken of Sioux City told the Carroll Times-Herald that he also plans to enter the race once he has been given a clean bill of health. He is dealing with a health issue he said was put off due to the 2020 campaign that will require surgery and two weeks of recovery before he campaigns.
Franken ran unsuccessfully for the nomination in 2020.
Axne also endorsed State Senator Liz Mathis, D-Hiawatha, for the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. Mathis made her announcement on July 27.
