Why I’m Running

I’m running for Secretary of State because I believe in public service—and I believe we need more leaders who treat that responsibility with honesty, humility, and a sense of duty.

For over a decade, I served our country as a Naval Officer. I led sailors overseas, worked on defense policy in the Senate, and helped develop future officers at the Naval Academy. In each of those roles, trust mattered. Integrity mattered. And I learned that institutions only work when people believe the people in charge are worthy of that belief.

That’s what’s at stake in this office.

The Secretary of State’s job isn’t to grab headlines. It’s to make sure every eligible Iowan can vote, that elections are fair and secure, and that politics never gets in the way of doing the job right. I’ve met with county auditors in small towns and big cities across the state. I’ve listened to their concerns and seen how hard they work to protect the vote. They deserve a partner they can trust.

I’m not running to be a partisan warrior. I’m running to do the work, to serve with integrity, and to help rebuild trust in the system we all depend on.