WASHINGTON —The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee is announcing the first round of Spotlight endorsements in next year’s elections for the Iowa House of Representatives. Democrats need to flip just four seats to win control of the chamber for the first time since 2010.
“Heading into the 2020 cycle, we’re organizing early across the country to flip chambers and continue fighting for equality, voting rights, and affordable health care,” said DLCC Executive Director Jessica Post. “Our first set of Iowa candidates have proven track records advocating for their communities and are ready to flip the House.”
The first slate of Spotlight candidates in Iowa includes three incumbents that were elected for the first time in 2018, a challenger who narrowly lost last year, and a former mayor running in a special election this August:
- Representative Karin Derry (HD 39), a lawyer and longtime community activist advocating for better health care.
- Representative Kristin Sunde (HD 42), a financial advisor and foster parent who’s dedicated to creating a safer environment for all Iowans.
- Representative Heather Matson (HD 38), a long-time public policy advocate with experience in women’s health and community engagement.
- Eric Gjerde (HD 67), an educator with the Cedar Rapids Community School District who’s fighting for better schools.
- Ross Wilburn (HD 46), former mayor of Iowa City who served in the Iowa National Guard.
“I’m thrilled to be recognized as one of the first Spotlight candidates in Iowa,” said Representative Matson. “Early support from the DLCC will be crucial in the fight to take back the House. Republicans have stonewalled progress for years, but we are committed to moving Iowa forward in 2020.”
The DLCC and state Democrats have flipped more than 400 state legislative seats from red to blue since 2016, including five seats in the Iowa House in 2018. The Spotlight candidates and state Democrats are ready to build on that momentum and flip the Iowa House blue next year.
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