Campaign Almanac: Clean water advocate Chris Jones to launch campaign for Iowa Ag Secretary

Clean water advocate and author Chris Jones announced he is formally launching a campaign for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, centering his bid on what he calls Iowa’s worsening water-quality crisis and the influence of industrial agribusiness.

Jones, a former University of Iowa researcher, said months of conversations with Iowans convinced him the state needs a new approach to agriculture and water protection.

“Iowans of all backgrounds and beliefs know that the condition of our water is unacceptable,” Jones said in a statement, adding that he is running “to be an independent voice for all who want to see Iowa focus on clean water and sustainable agriculture for our children and grandchildren.”

The campaign will kick off Thursday, with a news conference at Des Moines Water Works, followed by an evening rally and concert at Confluence Brewing Company. Jones will then embark on a weeklong “Iowa Watershed Tour” highlighting communities affected by agricultural pollution, featuring live music from Iowa folk singer Dave Moore.

Jones, who would run as a Democrat, sharply criticized incumbent Republican Mike Naig, a former Monsanto lobbyist who has held the office since 2018, arguing the state’s current policies have failed to safeguard drinking water or rural communities.

Naig, who announced his re-election campaign in May, rolled out a wide-ranging legislative proposal dubbed the “Iowa Farm Act,” just ahead of the start of the 2026 legislative session. According to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the legislation is intended to support farmers and rural communities while positioning Iowa agriculture for long-term growth.

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Iowa’s primary election is June 2. The general election is Nov. 3.

Wahls rolls out slate of U.S. Senate campaign endorsements

Iowa state Sen. Zach Wahls of Coralville announced a new slate of endorsements from mayors, school board members and law enforcement officials as he seeks the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s 2026 U.S. Senate election.

Wahls is one of four Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for the seat after Republican U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst announced in 2025 that she will not seek re-election. Other Democratic candidates include Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek of Council Bluffs, former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce leader Nathan Sage of Indianola and former state lawmaker Bob Krause of Burlington.

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The list of endorsements includes Keosauqua Mayor Melissa Mahon, Marshalltown Mayor Mike Ladehoff, Oelwein Mayor Brett DeVore, Jefferson County Supervisor Susie Drish, former Cedar County Sheriff Keith Whitlatch, former chair of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission David Leshtz, Cedar Falls schools board member Nate Gruber and Belmond-Klemme Community School Board member and retired police chief Richard McDaniel.

“I am honored to have the support of so many respected local officials who are on the front lines of serving their communities,” Wahls said in a press release. “Together, we will continue fighting for an Iowa where every family has the opportunity to succeed, where our schools are supported, our communities are safe, and our economy works for everyone.”

Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and former state lawmaker Jim Carlin are running for the Republican nomination.

Benton County Democrat announces candidacy for Iowa House

Democrat Polly Denison announced Monday she is running for the Iowa House in District 84, which includes most of Benton County and parts of western Linn County, including areas west of Cedar Rapids.

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Denison, of Van Horne, said she is entering the race because residents “deserve better from our government,” pledging to be a representative who listens to constituents and reflects shared values.

According to her campaign, Denison grew up in Iowa City, earned degrees in political science and psychology from the University of Iowa, and has worked as a paralegal and, more recently, as an independent insurance agent. She previously ran unsuccessfully as a Democrat for the Benton County Board of Supervisors in 2020.

“As your representative, I will be a strong voice for children, families, and working Iowans across District 84 and beyond,” Denison said in a statement. “I look forward to listening to you and working together to make Iowa stronger.”

The seat is currently held by Thomas Gerhold, a Republican from rural Atkins who is serving his fourth term. Gerhold, a research associate in the University of Iowa’s Department of Internal Medicine, told The Gazette on Monday that he plans to seek re-election in 2026, but has not officially announced.

Gerhold defeated Libertarian newcomer Ashley Meredith, of Vinton, by more than 7,000 votes, garnering 73 percent of the vote to win re-election in 2024.

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Speaking to The Gazette Monday, Gerhold said his decision to seek another term is driven largely by unfinished work at the Statehouse, particularly on issues affecting property owners and rural communities. He pointed to rising property taxes as a top concern for constituents.

He also cited public safety as an area where he wants to see additional action, pointing to recent high-profile cases of extreme speeding. Gerhold said he believes penalties for reckless driving are not always strong enough to deter dangerous behavior. He said conversations with law enforcement and fellow lawmakers have reinforced his view that changes to state law may be warranted to better protect motorists and the public.

Looking back on his time in the Iowa House, Gerhold said he believes his voting record reflects priorities shared by many in his district, including support for lower income taxes and efforts to make government more efficient by reducing redundancies and reworking state programs. He also pointed to passage last year of a pharmacy benefit manager reform law aimed at helping more rural pharmacies across Iowa.

“I’ve tried to vote in a way that helps working families and taxpayers across the district,” Gerhold said, adding that he believes another term would allow him to continue advocating for rural Iowans as major policy debates unfold at the Capitol.

Gazette-Lee Des Moines Bureau