Why I am running for Iowa House

My name is Angel Ramirez and I am honored to be the House District 78 nominee for the Democratic Party. With the special election on Tuesday, April 29, this campaign cycle has been very short — less than three weeks. I have been out door knocking, taking interviews, and I am especially grateful for the committed volunteers who are working on my behalf. I am taking this opportunity to share who I am with all the constituents in my district.

I moved to Iowa to attend Coe College. As a first generation college student, the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, I did not know what to expect. I discovered Cedar Rapids to be a place of strength, resilience, and support, and the community empowered me throughout my four years at Coe. By the time I graduated with a BA in Social and Criminal Justice and a BA in Political Science, I was confident I wanted to make Cedar Rapids my home. I have been active in the community, working to encourage young people to stay in Iowa and advocating for economic and racial justice. When Sami Scheetz was appointed Linn County Supervisor and his seat in the Iowa House opened up, I felt it was my responsibility to run.

The other day, I was moved by a constituent who answered my knock on his door. He shared that his kids had moved away given everything that is happening in Iowa. I could feel his anguish as he imagined his grandchildren being born and raised far away from the place he called home. This hit me hard. As cofounder and executive director of Our Future, I have made it my mission to help keep emerging leaders in Iowa by breaking down barriers as they work to help their community. I believe it is the responsibility of our governmental bodies to do everything we can to make Iowa a place of welcome, where everyone can thrive. This includes protecting civil rights, keeping public dollars in public schools, raising the minimum wage, supporting small businesses, prioritizing safe and affordable housing, protecting workers from exploitative companies — the list goes on. When people remain in our community, our economy thrives. When our economy thrives, our people thrive.

In my job at Kids First Law Center, I help students and staff at McKinley STEAM Academy resolve conflict and create consensus. In doing this, I see firsthand the importance of relationships, mutual understanding, and accountability. I believe that we should hold our elected officials to the same high standards that I hold our middle school students. While I pledge to uphold my core values if elected, and while I will advocate for what I believe will advance a progressive agenda for Cedar Rapids, I also will strive to create relationships with my colleagues in the House. Together, we can restore Iowa to our historical standing as a state that invests in education, welcomes immigrants and refugees, and promotes and protects liberty.

This is a huge moment for HD 78 and a huge moment for Iowa. While the special election process has not allowed for candidate forums and community meetups, I pledge to hold public gatherings this summer if elected. Hearing from the constituents in HD 78 will remain my number one priority.

During this tumultuous time for our country and our state, we must meet this moment with a bold and human-centered vision. I hope that I have earned your vote, whether you vote early at the Linn County Public Service Center or on Tuesday, April 29, at your precinct polling location. Thank you for your support!

Angel Ramirez is the Democratic candidate in Tuesday’s Iowa House District 78 special election.