On April 24, over 110 local voters gathered together to learn more about candidates running for office in 2022. The “Popcorn and Politics” event was held at the Boyd building in Shell Rock and hosted by Democrats from Chickasaw, Floyd, Bremer, and Butler Counties. The four counties comprise new Iowa Senate District 29 and new Iowa House Districts 57 and 58.

Liz Mathis, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 2nd Congressional District of Iowa, and Abby Finkenauer, candidate for the U. S. Senate, gave passionate speeches about what it means to be an Iowan and what inspired them to pursue public service. They stressed the importance of a Democratic commitment to goals such as affordable childcare, clean energy, lower prescription drug prices, strong infrastructure, and expanded middle-class job opportunities.

Finkenauer’s opponents in the upcoming June 7 primary election, Michael Franken and Glen Hurst, sent representatives to speak on their behalf. The crowd also heard from a representative for candidate for Iowa Governor, Deidre DeJear.