Washington Democrat files for Iowa House race

WASHINGTON, Iowa — A University of Iowa graduate student will be running as a Democrat for the Iowa House of Representatives in the November election in House District 92.

Anna Banowsky, 26, of Washington, Iowa, will seek election in the district that encompasses Washington County and part of Johnson County.

Rep. Heather Hora, a Republican and a Washington area farmer, is in her first term representing the district.

“The people of Washington and Johnson County aren’t being heard by the Legislature,” Banowsky said in her announcement. “We’re seeing issues such as public schools not being adequately funded, a lack of access to mental health care, restriction of reproductive health care, and a decrease in protections for the environment. I want to make sure that my constituents have a voice in Des Moines.”

Banowsky is a graduate student and teaching assistant at the University of Iowa, pursuing an master's degree in anthropology.

Teaching a course each semester, she said, has allowed her to see the impact of Iowa’s K-12 education on students seeking higher education. Banowsky said she would like to ensure all Iowa students receive an affordable, quality education, from preschool to college and beyond.

Banowsky earned a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Oklahoma, where she was treasurer for the Constitutional Studies Student Association, where she said she learned a lot about public policy, law and foreign affairs.

She moved to Washington in 2023 from Iowa City, saying she was attracted to the city’s downtown and sense of community.

More information on her campaign is on Facebook and Instagram or via email, annabanowskyforiowa@gmail.com.

Iowa lawmakers are paid $25,000 a year, plus a $175 per diem for legislators who live outside of Polk County.

The general election is Nov. 5, with all Iowa House seats and half of the Iowa Senate seats on the ballot, as well as county and federal offices, including the presidency.

The filing deadline is March 15 for the June 4 primary and Aug. 24 for the November general election.