State Senator Charles Schneider (R-West Des Moines) decided not to run for the open seat made available after Congressman Tom Latham’s retirement in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. He joins State Representative Chris Hagenow (R-Windsor Heights) and State Senator Jack Whitver (R-Ankeny) on the list of potential candidates opting out.
David Young moves from the U.S. Senate race joining Des Moines teacher Joe Grandanette as the only official Republican candidates in the race. Iowa Secretary of State Matt Schultz promised that he would announce his decision this week. State Senator Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale) who was the Republican nominee in 2010 is expected to run as well.
Below is Schneider’s announcement on Facebook:
I thank those of you who have encouraged me to run for Congress so that we can send a conservative problem solver to Washington. I have given this a lot of thought and have had many discussions with my wife Lisa, family and friends.
As much as I’d like to help solve the dysfunction in Congress, my passion at this time is on making Iowa a more competitive and attractive state for families, businesses, and young professionals. There’s a lot more we can do to instill fiscal discipline within state government, create a more competitive tax environment, attract and retain jobs, and ensure that our children are prepared to compete in a global economy.
I will not, therefore, be a candidate for the US House this year. I am looking forward to continuing to represent my constituents in the Iowa Senate during the upcoming legislative session.
Best wishes to each of you for a prosperous new year!