Peggy Stover bows out of Iowa House race

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Democrat who had considered running for the Iowa House in an open southeast Cedar Rapids district has ended her exploratory campaign.

Peggy Stover, an associate professor and administrator at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business, cited challenges resulting from the August 2020 derecho that taken together “gives me very little time to run an effective primary campaign.”

Stover had hoped to run in what was House 65 before redistricting. It is represented by Democrat Rep. Liz Bennett, who is running for an open Senate seat.

The roof of Stover’s home was damaged during the derecho, causing extensive damage from leaking water. In the process of the inspecting the damage, asbestos was found. She and her husband must move into temporary housing during the asbestos abatement, Stover wrote in a message to supporters.

Community organizer Sami Scheetz is running in what is now House 78. With Stover bowing out, he currently faces no opposition. Scheetz reported raising nearly $37,000 in 2021, including more than 75 contributions from Iowans.

Scheetz said Stover, who is second vice chairwoman of the Linn County Democratic Party, is “a great asset … and I look forward earning her support.”

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