DES MOINES, Iowa – Gov. Kim Reynolds made four more endorsements in Iowa House races on Wednesday, including endorsing the challenger of a second Republican incumbent and endorsed one incumbent over a third who were drawn into the same district.
She is backing candidates who support her “pro-taxpayer, pro-law enforcement, and a pro-parent agenda” in 2023. Her pro-parent agenda includes school choice.
Reynolds endorsed Zachary Dieken of Granville, challenging State Rep. Dennis Bush, R-Cherokee, in Iowa House District 5. This primary is a three-way race that also includes Thomas Kuiper of Shelby.
Iowa House District 5 includes Osceola, O’Brien, and parts of Cherokee and Buena Vista Counties.
“Zach Dieken will be a strong advocate for freedom, parental choice in education, and the pro-life movement,” Reynolds said. “I admire Zach’s service in the Iowa State Patrol, and I am excited to see him step up once again to serve his community as a legislator.”
“It’s an honor to have Gov. Kim Reynolds’ strong endorsement in this election. She is a true friend of Iowa law enforcement and continues to be an incredible governor for our state,” Dieken said. “As a state representative, I will work alongside Gov. Reynolds to defend life, promote school choice, and stand with law enforcement.”
Bush, who was first elected in 2020 to the Iowa House, opposed Reynolds’ school choice bill to create an education savings accounts program in Iowa.
There is currently no Democratic candidate in the Iowa House District 5 race.
Last week, Reynolds endorsed Barb Kniff McCulla of Pella, challenging State Rep. Jon Thorup, R-Knoxville, in Iowa House District 37.
The governor also endorsed Sarah Abdouch of Council Bluffs in Iowa House District 20, running against Thomas Riley, also of Council Bluffs, in the Republican primary.
The newly drawn district consists of parts of Council Bluffs and is an open seat. The primary winner will face Josh Turek, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
“In Iowa, we have been able to enact pro-growth conservative policies that keep our state moving in the right direction, but we can’t stop now,” Reynolds said. “With strong candidates like Sarah we can continue cutting taxes, supporting law enforcement, and move forward with a bold, pro-parent, school choice agenda. Sarah will be a true partner in that effort.”
“I am honored to have the support and the strong endorsement of Governor Reynolds,” Abdouch said. “The governor has been a champion for parents across our state who feel shut out from their child’s education. Whether it’s cutting taxes, backing law enforcement, or supporting parental choice in education, I will fight side by side with Gov. Reynolds to get the job done.”
Reynolds endorsed Corwin Williams of Ottumwa in Iowa House District 25. Williams is running against Hans Wilz of Ottumwa for the Republican nomination.
Iowa House District 25 includes parts of Wapello County, including all of Ottumwa, Agency, and Eldon. It is an open seat after State Rep. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, decided not to run for re-election after only serving one term.
The winner of the Republican primary will face Diana Swartz of Ottumwa, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
“As a cyber security specialist, former reserve police officer and junior firefighter, Corwin Williams is a bright young leader willing to step up and put his community first,” Reynolds said. “Corwin will be an effective legislator and a true partner in our efforts to lower taxes, support law enforcement, and ensure parental choice in education.”
“It’s an honor to have the support of Governor Kim Reynolds. If elected, I will work alongside her to cut taxes, support the law enforcement community, and give parents a choice and say in their child’s education,” Williams said. “I’m running for State Representative because I love this community. And I want the next generation of Iowans to be able to have the same unlimited opportunities that got me here today.”
Reynolds endorsed State Rep. Dean Fisher, R-Garwin, in Iowa House District 53. He faces fellow incumbent State Rep. David Maxwell, R-Gibson, in the Republican primary after redistricting.
Fisher has served in the Iowa House since 2013. Maxwell has also served in the chamber since 2013. Maxwell voted against the abortion neutrality amendment and the fetal heartbeat abortion ban.
Iowa House District 53 includes parts of Poweshiek and Tama counties. The winner of the Republican primary will face Sarah Smith of Grinnell, who is running unopposed in the Democratic primary.
“Representative Dean Fisher is a champion for Iowa’s families and taxpayers. He will do whatever it takes to protect the unborn,” Reynolds said. “I trust Dean to be a true partner in defending the conservative values that make Iowa the best place to call home.”
“I look forward to working with Gov. Reynolds to advance the pro-life movement in Iowa and promote a pro-parent, school choice agenda,” Fisher said. “Gov. Reynolds’ bold, conservative leadership is moving Iowa in the right direction and I look forward to fighting alongside her.”
Reynolds urges voters to turn out in the Republican Primary held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
