Meet the Democratic candidates running to represent Dubuque County, Northeast Iowa, and our state. Explore candidate profiles, visit campaign websites, and learn more about the people seeking your vote.
Dubuque County voters will elect leaders at every level of government this year—from county offices and the Iowa Legislature to statewide and federal races. Learn more about the Democratic candidates running to serve our communities and move Iowa forward.
Josh Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA and a State Legislator who represents the reddest seat held by a Democrat in the state of Iowa. Born with spina bifida after his dad was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam, Josh overcame 21 surgeries by the age of 12 to eventually represent the U.S. at four Paralympics.
After his basketball career ended with a gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, Josh ran to represent his hometown of Council Bluffs in the legislature. Running in a seat that Donald Trump had already won twice, Josh pushed his chair up hills and crawled up stairs to talk to Iowans of all political stripes, eventually winning by six votes. He was re-elected by a five-point margin at the same time Trump was winning the seat by eight points, not only because of his work ethic but because he’s developed a reputation as a common-sense, bipartisan legislator.
Lindsay James’ journey to public service began long before she decided to run for Congress. As a chaplain, she sat beside people in their hardest hours—listening without judgment, offering hope, and finding common ground where none seemed possible. Those moments taught her that each person matters, and their struggles deserve attention.
As a state representative, Lindsay James has been a voice that refuses to be drowned out—a dynamic force with a ready smile and the unshakable conviction: that government should serve the people, not the powerful, and that no one—no child, no farmer, no working family—should be pushed aside.
Rooted in Iowa values and guided by a deep moral compass, she leads with the kind of fire that speaks truth to power, painting a vision of Iowa where opportunity is not a privilege for the few but a promise to us all.
Unlike the powerful insiders and special interests that have run Iowa’s government for the last decade, Rob is focused on all Iowans. Rob stands up for what’s right, even when it’s hard or goes against his political party, and defends his opponents from unfair attacks. No one in Iowa does this more than Rob, and it’s exactly how he’ll lead as governor.
Ryan is running for Secretary of State because he believes in public service—and he believes we need more leaders who treat that responsibility with honesty, humility, and a sense of duty.
For over a decade, he served our country as a Naval Officer. He 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 he learned that institutions only work when people believe the people in charge are worthy of that belief.
Nate Willems has spent his career protecting Iowans and fighting for their rights. That’s exactly what he’ll do as Iowa’s next attorney general.
As an attorney, he has helped tens of thousands of Iowans who have had crimes committed against them and who have been ripped off by corporations.
Now, as attorney general, he will work with prosecutors and local law enforcement to secure convictions for violent crimes, put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Iowans, and hold corporations accountable when they break the law.
John Norwood is a lifelong public servant and financial leader committed to protecting Iowa’s fiscal future and strengthening opportunity for families across the state. He has lived in West Des Moines for more than twenty years, where his two children graduated from West Des Moines Valley High School.
John holds a BA from Williams College and holds both an MBA in Finance and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University. He is a long-standing member of the CFA Society of Iowa, reflecting his commitment to ethical, disciplined financial stewardship.
Chris Jones is a research scientist, author, and one of Iowa’s leading water quality experts who has spent more than 40 years advocating for clean water and sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
During his career, Jones managed the water quality testing laboratory at Des Moines Water Works for eight years, helping oversee operations at one of the world’s largest nitrate removal facilities built to address Iowa’s agricultural runoff crisis. He also spent four years as an environmental scientist at the Iowa Soybean Association, where he helped deploy some of the state’s first independent water quality monitoring systems.
Taylor Wettach is running for Iowa State Auditor because he believes Iowans deserve transparent, accountable government that works for everyday people. An attorney and former federal prosecutor, Wettach has focused his career on public integrity, consumer protection, and holding powerful institutions accountable. He says the Auditor’s office should serve taxpayers by increasing transparency, preventing waste, and rebuilding trust in government.
These legislative districts represent different parts of Dubuque County, but the issues are familiar across the map: strong schools, good jobs, healthcare access, and a state government that listens.
Carolyn Wiezorek is running to support strong public schools, healthcare access, workers’ rights, and policies that help Dubuque-area families thrive.
Michael Coonrad is running to strengthen Iowa communities through practical leadership, public investment, and support for working families.
Sam Wooden is an attorney and Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 71 with experience in both private legal practice and public advocacy. He says Iowa families deserve leadership focused on fairness, accountability, and strengthening local communities through practical solutions and civic engagement.
Matt Robinson is a lifelong Dubuquer, union carpenter, and construction manager running for Iowa House District 72 because he believes working families deserve a stronger voice in Des Moines. Raised in a working-class family, Robinson says his campaign is focused on protecting workers’ rights, strengthening public education, and building an Iowa economy that works for everyday people — not just corporate interests.
County offices may not always make headlines, but they shape daily life — roads, records, public safety, services, budgets, and the long-term future of Dubuque County.
Kristin Dietzel is a small business owner, community leader, and workforce development professional running for Dubuque County Supervisor because she believes local government should help make Dubuque County the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Her background includes leadership roles at Northeast Iowa Community College, Greater Dubuque Development, and the family-owned business Painted Sky Designs, along with service on several local nonprofit boards. Dietzel says she wants to bring a collaborative, community-focused approach to county government while supporting infrastructure, economic opportunity, public services, and quality of life across Dubuque County.
Rick Dickinson is a longtime public servant and former President & CEO of Greater Dubuque Development who is running for Dubuque County Supervisor after decades of leadership in economic development and local government. His experience includes serving as mayor of Sabula, a Jackson County Supervisor, and a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, where he focused on strengthening communities through collaboration and long-term planning.
Dickinson says he believes local government works best when leaders listen carefully, build partnerships, and focus on practical solutions that improve quality of life across Dubuque County.
Steve Drahozal is an attorney, educator, and former Iowa State Representative running for Dubuque County Attorney because he believes the justice system should be fair, transparent, and focused on serving the community. He says public safety and public trust go hand in hand, and that the County Attorney’s office should work collaboratively to uphold the law, support victims, and strengthen Dubuque County.
Ann Sweeney currently serves as Dubuque County Recorder after being appointed to the position in 2025 following years of experience in state government and public service. She says county government should provide reliable, accessible services that residents can trust and depend on every day.
Local elections affect the issues people experience every day — from public schools and healthcare access to housing, infrastructure, clean water, and economic opportunity.
The Dubuque County Democrats believe strong communities are built when neighbors stay informed, participate, and work together to shape the future.
Whether you’re voting, volunteering, attending events, or supporting candidates, your participation matters.
From school board races to statewide campaigns, local elections are won by people who care enough to get involved.
Whether you want to volunteer, attend events, support candidates, or make a donation to help fund year-round organizing, your participation makes a difference.
