Iowa Caucus Summary

I participated in the 2026 Democratic Caucus, my first ever, since Independents in Iowa are not given this opportunity. As I’ve said before, I just recently joined the Democrats, among other reasons to get on the ballot and exercise my right and responsibility to lead. Here are some of the things I heard at the caucus. I don’t think any of these are closely guarded secrets of the Democratic Party, as most candidates, including me, have listed most of the issues under concerns or priorities of our campaigns. However, I did hear a few things I hadn’t heard before.  I understand it is my responsibility, or it will be if I’m elected, to address the concerns of the people District 11.  The PEOPLE of District11!  Not my

constituents or the voters or the Democrats.  The people of District 11 include my family; our friends, our neighbors and I will represent their concerns and yours. Here are some of those issues and concerns recorded as accurately as possible without edits.

Tariffs are hurting farmers and consumers.  Ruining farmers markets.

Public Education, get rid of vouchers.  They exclude children with disabilities who are denied access.

Return tax dollars to public schools. No accountability when funds go to private schools.

Benefits for teachers. Create an Educators Bill of Rights.

Water Quality.  Restore and improve monitoring systems.

Defund ICE.

Impeach Trump. Impose term limits.  Defund ICE.

Affordable healthcare for everyone.  Fund Medicaid.

Cancer rates in Iowa.  Insurance rates. Water quality.

Lower prices. Affordability. Affordable healthcare. Tax the rich.

Affordable healthcare for everyone.

Defund ICE.  Return our tax dollars to public schools. Fund Medicaid / Medicare. 

LGBTQ+ protections especially regarding marriage.

Cost transparency at state level. Statewide deficit.

Crackdown on puppy mills.  Iowa is #3 in the nation in violations.  USDA is not enforcing regulations.

Healthcare as a right and not a privilege. Investigate insurance companies.

Please grant some grace to Paula, my spouse, and self-described reluctant secretary, who took notes for me at the caucus.  Contact me if I neglected to represent your concern or if I didn’t get it right. Help me learn more about these issues.  All these issues will involve complex decision making.  I have a method for understanding complex issues and making those decisions.  With your input, we are off to a good start.  Join me.  Join us.