Former Iowa Democratic chair McGuire seeking governor seat

DES MOINES — Former Iowa Democratic Party state chairwoman Andy McGuire announced Monday she is running for governor of Iowa in 2018.

'We need a governor who will put working families first and give everyone the opportunity to succeed,' said McGuire, who announced her candidacy with an online video highlighting her campaign vision. 'It's time to stop pitting community against community and Iowan against Iowan.

'I'll focus on real priorities that move Iowa forward — investing in our public schools instead of cutting them to the bone; supporting small businesses as part of a larger effort to revitalize our rural economies; raising wages — with equal pay for equal work and raising the minimum wage statewide to attract a quality workforce,' she added. 'We must also ensure access to quality, comprehensive affordable health care for all Iowans.'

McGuire said she has worked to put people first and care for those most in need of assistance throughout her career as a doctor, a medical director and a business leader. She called for ending backroom political deals that benefit special interests benefit while hardworking Iowans get left behind.

'For too long, those in power seem to only get things done for the special interests — behind closed doors. It's a broken political system that works for them — not us,' she said in a statement, 'and it's leaving hardworking Iowans behind. It's time we stop pitting people against each other, and finally get things done for Iowa families — to fix it, together.'

A native of Waterloo, McGuire is the mother of seven children and raised a family while training to be a doctor. As a medical director, she focused on preventive care, including vaccinations and prenatal checks, she said.

McGuire served as the chairwoman of the Iowa Democratic Party from 2015 through 2016.

For more on the campaign, go to www.McGuireForGovernor.com