Small but mighty: local Dems celebrate engagement

In a county where voting leans closer toward Republicans candidates, Union County Democrats focused on their “small but mighty” community and encouraged civic participation no matter the party.

Monday night’s Union County Democratic Caucus highlighted the uphill battle many area Democrats see in their upcoming elections, but a sense of community and intimate deliberation gave a presence of unity in their discussions.

Democrats in Iowa are focused on two key races which had their Republican incumbents decline running again. Governor Kim Reynolds and Senator Joni Ernst are leaving their seats in 2026, with the Republican candidates of Randy Feenstra and Ashley Hinson, respectively, likely to be the Democrats’ biggest challenge.

During the caucus, outreach into the community saw a spotlight. Specifically, with plans for Union County Democrats to obtain a spot at this year’s Market on Maple to encourage voter registration, apolitical opportunities to encourage civic participation help allow county residents to make their votes count.

Speaking through Union County Chair Susan Weight, Iowa Democrat Chair Rita Hart in a letter spoke against the dominance of Republicans both in Washington and her home state.

Singling out a big five of Governor Kim Reynolds and representatives Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, Hart criticized Iowa’s elected officials for standing with President Donald Trump calling them a “lowly crew.” All five positions have open seats in the 2026 election.

“Iowa fell to last in the nation in economic growth, 44th in the country for hourly wages and dead last for Midwest states,” Hart said. “If that wasn’t bad enough, Iowa families are paying $1,333 more per year for everyday costs like health care, food, housing and clothing. That is directly thanks to Feenstra, Hinson, Miller-Meeks, Nunn and their D.C. party bosses in Congress.”

During the caucus, Weight was reelected as chair for the organization, with Deb Peterson elected as secretary. Although no official endorsement in local, state or national elections were made by the party, they made an appeal to any Union County residents who wish to represent the party in local elections.

Weight said she was proud of this year’s caucus turnout and support for the party throughout a difficult year.

Five candidates are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senator, four of which had presence in Union County’s caucus. Zach Wahls, Josh Turek, and Bob Krause each sent letters to the caucus. Nathan Sage was also present with a smaller profile for his platform. Richard Sherzan has also declared for the position.

Other state candidates who sent letters to the caucus helped underline concerns from rural Democrats. Wade Dooley, running for Secretary of Agriculture, said water quality remains one of the biggest challenges for Iowa.

“Fixing it means looking at the environment as a whole system — building solutions that are resilient and sustainable for generations," Dooley wrote. “I also want to use the department’s resources to build stronger local food systems by supporting local food hubs, local food purchasing by schools, helping small and mid-size processors build and grow and making it easier for Iowa families to get wholesome food from Iowa farmers they trust.”

Dooley is running to be the Democratic candidate to challenge incumbent Mike Naig. Chris Jones has also declared for the ballot.

Julie Stauch, running for Governor, also sent a letter to Union County Democrats. Stauch is running against frontrunner Rob Sand. In her letter, Stauch ran on a platform of improving water quality, removing “insane” school vouchers and reducing health care costs in Iowa.

“We are in this place because of 10 years of Republican control of the Iowa House, Senate and the Governor’s office,” Stauch wrote. “2026 is the year that we can end this debacle, and build the Iowa that Iowans want and not favors to a handful of greedy corporate interests.”

Taylor Wettach for Auditor, Nate Willems for Attorney General, Ryan Petterman for Secretary of State and John Norwood for Treasurer are running for the state Democratic primary unopposed.

Upcoming dates for Union County Democrats begin tomorrow with a committees meeting at 9 a.m. in the Creston United Methodist Church. The county convention will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Creston Depot.