Cedar Rapids, IA – State Representative Tyler Olson (D-Cedar Rapids) announced today that he was ending his gubernatorial campaign. This leaves State Senator Jack Hatch (D-Des Moines) as they only Democrat challenger to Iowa Governor Terry Branstad unless another Democrat joins the race. Olson announced earlier this month that he was divorcing his wife Sarah, but was scaling back his campaign until after the holidays. Today he said he realized his children were going to need more support. A statement on his website reads:
Thank you to everyone that reached out with words of encouragement and support the last two weeks. While focused on supporting my children through the transition in my personal life it is clear they need my full attention. It is time to end my campaign for Governor.
I will continue to focus on my family, finish my term as state representative, rejoin Paulson Electric and look for opportunities to serve my community as time allows.
Thank you to all the friends, supporters and volunteers that joined my campaign. I enjoyed every minute of it. I hope you still believe as I do that Iowa’s brightest days are ahead.
Best wishes for a peaceful and bright holiday season.
– Tyler Olson