Americans for Prosperity-Iowa Announces Slate of State Legislative Endorsements

Aug 1, 2024 by AFP

DES MOINES, IA – Americans for Prosperity-Iowa (AFP-IA) today announced its support of 18 candidates running for election and reelection to the Iowa State Legislature.

AFP-IA supports the following candidates for their leadership and commitment to increasing opportunity for all Iowans: State Sen. Dan Dawson (SD-10), State Sen. Brad Zaun (SD-22), State Sen. Jeff Reichman (SD-50), State Rep. Henry Stone (HD-09), James Wassell (HD-20), Sam Wengryn (HD-24), State Rep. Bill Gustoff (HD-40), Ryan Weldon (HD-41), Heather Stephenson (HD-42), State Rep. Eddie Andrews (HD-43), State Rep. Dan Gehlbach (HD-46), State Rep. Joshua Meggers (HD-54), Christian Hermanson (HD-59), State Rep. Steve Bradley (HD-66), Jennifer Smith (HD-72), Judd Lawler (HD-91), State Rep. Taylor Collins (HD-95) and State Rep. Mark Cisneros (HD-96).

AFP-IA, as part of the largest grassroots organization in the country, plans to leverage the full weight of its voter contact capabilities, in addition to direct-mail and digital advertisements, to support these candidates.

AFP-Iowa State Director Tyler Raygor issued the following statement:

“AFP-IA is proud to support this slate of 18 candidates in their bids for the State Legislature. These candidates will work to pursue policies that will increase economic opportunity and lower taxes for Iowa families and businesses. When elected, they will fight to defend against cronyism, ensure sound budgeting practices, and continue making Iowa’s education system one of the best in the country.”

“As election day nears, AFP-IA and our grassroots army of activists are laser-focused on helping ensure this slate is elected come November. Our staff and volunteers are excited to get out and connect with voters to discuss the kitchen-table issues facing our communities and how these great candidates can address them in the legislature.”

Endorsed Candidates

State Sen. Dan Dawson (SD-10)

As chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, Sen. Dawson has been instrumental in advancing economic policies that help get government out of the way for Iowa families and businesses. During his tenure, Dawson led the charge to eliminate Iowa’s income tax. AFP-IA is confident he will continue to help shepherd good policy when reelected.

State Sen. Brad Zaun (SD-22)

In his time in office, Sen. Zaun has worked to cut taxes and reduce barriers to employment in the state. He’s a champion for educational opportunities for students and will continue fighting for Iowa’s students when reelected.

State Sen. Jeff Reichman (SD-50)

A Marine Corps veteran, Assistant Majority Leader Reichman has dedicated his life to public service. That service continues now in the Iowa legislature, where he’s fighting for better education for our students by supporting vital programs like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs).

State Rep. Henry Stone (HD-09)

Throughout his two terms in office, Rep. Stone has solidified himself as a policy leader on education in his caucus. AFP-IA deeply appreciates his work opposing cronyism, cutting taxes, and expanding educational opportunities for Iowa families and looks forward to his reelection.

James Wassell (HD-20)

As a diesel engine mechanic, Wassell will leverage his unique experience on issues like energy policy, where he has vowed to be a partner on energy deregulation. Additionally, as a former tax preparer, he will be a thoughtful voice on tax issues facing the legislature.

Sam Wengryn (HD-24)

Sam Wengryn is a pillar of Decatur County, serving as chairman of the county board of supervisors and the county GOP. His deep understanding of his community and dedication to service to Iowans will make him a superior policy champion when elected to the legislature. Wengryn will fight for limited government and policies that will keep Iowa prosperous. AFP-IA endorsed Wengryn in the primary.

State Rep. Bill Gustoff (HD-40)

Throughout his tenure, Gustoff has proven to be a leading voice on reducing taxes, increasing economic opportunities, and educational issues, including being the lead sponsor of several bills to end restrictions on homeschooling and independent education.

Ryan Weldon (HD-41)

As the former president of the Ankeny school board, Weldon will be a trusted ally in the legislature to fight for Iowa families having a voice in their children’s education.

Heather Stephenson (HD-42)

When elected to the legislature, Stephenson will be an advocate for health care reform, increasing the quality and access to care while lowering costs for Ankeny families. Additionally, she supports lowering property taxes and will champion economic opportunity for all Iowans.

State Rep. Eddie Andrews (HD-43)

Rep. Eddie Andrews has been a champion of empowering families to pursue the education that fits their individual needs and supporting personalized health care options that our families can trust. Additionally, Andrews has been an active and vocal supporter of smart criminal justice reforms that make our communities safer while providing real second chances.

State Rep. Dan Gehlbach (HD-46)

As a former school board member, Rep. Gehlbach brings a uniquely qualified perspective to the educational issues facing the legislature and is a key advocate for increased educational opportunity.

State Rep. Joshua Meggers (HD-54)

In his first term in office, Rep. Joshua Meggers has fought to expand economic opportunity in Iowa. Meggers has worked tirelessly to lower taxes on families and businesses and cut burdensome red tape, voting for legislation to eliminate the income tax and reducing spending in Iowa. As a law enforcement officer, Meggers is a trusted advocate for public safety. AFP-IA endorsed Meggers in the primary.

Christian Hermanson (HD-59)

If elected, Hermanson will be a key policy partner on tax issues, education and health care. He has vowed to reduce taxes and prioritize regulatory reform if elected.

State Rep. Steve Bradley (HD-66)

Rep. Bradley has been an educational policy champion while in the legislature, fighting for ESAs, AEA reform and school choice. As a consistent voice on economic issues, Iowa families need principled leaders like Rep. Bradley in the legislature.

Jennifer Smith (HD-72)

As a college economics professor, Jennifer Smith will bring a uniquely qualified perspective to the legislature and be an advocate for economic prosperity and educational freedom for all Iowans. Smith will fight for increased parental control over students’ education decisions and will be an advocate for increased opportunity in the Hawkeye State. AFP-IA endorsed Smith in the primary.

Judd Lawler (HD-91)

Lawler has vowed to be an advocate for health care reform and a champion for economic prosperity if elected to the legislature. Lawler will bring deep knowledge and passion to his role and he has AFP-IA’s strong endorsement.

State Rep. Taylor Collins (HD-95)

Since being elected to the legislature, Rep. Collins has fought tirelessly to reign in wasteful government spending and lower taxes so families and businesses can succeed. Collins also supports expanding educational opportunities so every child can pursue the education that fits their unique needs. 

State Rep. Mark Cisneros (HD-96)

Cisneros has been a leading voice and trusted partner on education issues facing the legislature. He also is a vocal advocate for deregulating the energy industry.

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