Hart announces bid for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District

WHEATLAND — Farmer, former Iowa State Senator, and 20-year educator Rita Hart announced Tuesday her intention to run for Iowa’s Second Congressional District, which includes Jasper County.

“As a lifelong Iowan, farmer, and educator, I understand the struggle our small towns and rural communities face, because I’ve lived it,” Hart said.

The Democrat announces her bid for the seat after fellow Democrat and current congressmen Dave Loebsack announced in April his intention to retire at the end of his current term. Loebsack was first elected as the second congressional district in 2007.

Hart served in the Iowa Senate in the 49th district, first elected in 2013 until 2016. In 2018, Hart was the Democratic nominee for Iowa’s lieutenant governor and running mate of gubernatorial hopeful Fred Hubbell.

“We have real challenges to solve: making sure heath care is affordable for all of us, helping families crippled by the cost of education and job training, and growing our economy so that it’s thriving in every corner of our state — not just for the wealthy and well-connected,” Hart said. “We also must do more to protect Iowans from devastating flooding like the kind that hit southeast Iowa earlier this month. Hardworking Iowans need a voice at the table as we fight for our future — that’s why I’m running for Congress.”

Hart grew up in Charles City as one of nine children. She lives with her husband, Paul, on their family farm in Wheatland, which they’ve owned and operated since 1986. Together they have five children.