Three men have announced so far that they plan to run to represent Iowa’s 4th District on the Republican Party of Iowa State Central Committee.
Cody Hoefert, 36, said he’s running for re-election. Hoefert is the chair of the Lyon County Republican Party and owns a chiropractor practice in Rock Rapids, IA. In a released statement Hoefert said, “I was elected at a special meeting of the county GOP chairs and co-chairs last spring in Ft. Dodge. Since that time, I have visited more than 30 counties and have been a tireless advocate for the 4th district to the Central Committee in Des Moines.”
“The conservative values of the 4th district are something that I communicate, represent and actively work to promote on a consistent basis and through our fundraising efforts,” Hoefert added. “Communication is a key aspect to this position. When I am supporting and defending our platform to the Central Committee, I am in turn keeping the 4th district Republicans fully in the loop about our activities through the newsletter that I initiated. It is a privilege to represent you and I take the position’s responsibilities seriously.”
Hoefert helped coordinate a major fundraiser last year along with the Osceola, O’Brien and Sioux County Republican Parties that raised $25,000 and had 350 in attendance. He lives with his family in Rock Rapids.
Gabe Haugland, 32, is an attorney, combat veteran, JAG officer in the Iowa National Guard and Chairman of the Cerro Gordo County Republican Party says he’s running as well. Haugland, his wife and their children currently lives in Clear Lake.
“No doubt, the Republican Party is facing many challenges as we seek to define ourselves and solidify the principles on which we will stand. Certainly, now is the time for dialogue and debate as we finalize our platform. However, once that process is complete, we must be a party that is unified not only by our Conservative ideals, but also in purpose and in mission,” Haugland said in a statement he published on his Facebook page today.
“I believe I’m uniquely qualified to help navigate our party through these challenges. During my current tenure as Chairman of the Cerro Gordo County GOP, I’ve been leading the effort to build party registration and loyalty, work with qualified candidates to represent our constituents, raise money, and spend it responsibly. But most of all, I have been working to build a robust grassroots organization, utilizing both traditional and new media to mobilize our friends, neighbors, and colleagues. It’s a work I hope to continue as your representative on the State Central Committee,” Haugland added.
Jamie Johnson, 48, a current member of the State Central Committee representing the 4th District, also announced today that he is running for reelection. Johnson is a non-profit executive and an ordained Anglican minister. Since 2005 he has been the Vice President of World-Wide Missions, a Christian charity working in 32 nations to fund orphanages and schools and to provide food, clothing, and free medical care to the poor and needy, as well as to those suffering from natural disasters, famine, and political oppression.
Johnson was elected to the committee at convention. Since then he has logged over 10,000 miles on behalf of grassroots Republican efforts across the district’s 39 counties. He promised a fresh start for the Republican Party of Iowa.
“I would be honored to continue serving the faithful Republican activists in the 39 counties of Iowa’s fourth congressional district,” Johnson said. “I will help give our party a fresh start and new leadership in June, and will bring big Republican victories in the 2014 elections.”
Currently District 4 is represented by Hoefert, Johnson, Chad Steenhoek, and Kristine Thiessen.
Steenhoek told Caffeinated Thoughts he was not running for re-election. Thiessen still hasn’t replied to an inquiry about her potential candidacy sent this morning.
Each district convention can elect four representatives. The district conventions are scheduled to be held on April 26, 2014.
Photo credit: Sarah Brooks
