Former Muscatine County Farm Bureau president and farmer Kerry Gruenhagen has announced his candidacy for the Iowa Legislature in Senate District 41, running as a Republican.
In Scott County, the district includes northwest Davenport including portions of Sheridan Township, the cities of Blue Grass, Walcott, Maysville, New Liberty and Dixon, and the townships of Liberty, Hickory Grove, Cleona and Blue Grass.
The district also covers all of Cedar County, and the townships in Muscatine County including West Liberty, Moscow, Stockton and Montpelier.
“As a fifth-generation farmer and Walcott resident, I know how important it is to have policies to support agriculture and small, rural communities,” said Gruenhagen. “Those polices are vital but the principal role of government is protecting its people. So, we must continue to support law enforcement in Iowa, while we combat increasing crime rates and work to keep our communities safe.
"In the Iowa Senate I will work on tax relief for hard-working families, ensure our constitutional rights are protected against federal overreach, and support policies to help Iowa and Iowa agriculture grow," he said.
"I look forward to meeting with voters in this district, hear their concerns, and share my vision on making Iowa the best state in the country."
Gruenhagen operates a grain farm with his father and son in rural Scott and Muscatine counties. He has one son, three step-daughters and two grandchildren. He and his wife, Kali, have been married for eight years. They are members of Risen Christ Lutheran Church in Davenport.
The incumbent senator in District 41, state Sen. James Lykam (D-Davenport), has not announced his intentions.
State Sen. Roby Smith (R-Davenport) also resides in the district and has announced he will be a candidate for State Treasurer in 2022.