Retired businessman Fred Hubbell, 66, officially announced today that he is seeking the Democratic nomination in Iowa’s upcoming Gubernatorial election.
He joins a field that includes (among those who have announced) State Senator Nate Boulton (D-Des Moines), former Iowa Democratic Party Chair Andy McGuire, State Representative Todd Pritchard (D-Charles City), former president of the Des Moines Public School Board Jon Neiderbach, and longtime Democrat activist John Norris.
Republicans running for Governor include Governor Kim Reynolds, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, and Boone Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ray.
Hubbell is a well-known philanthropist. He was most recently the CEO of the Equitable Life Insurance Company.
“I’ve spent my life creating jobs, supporting our community, and fixing troubled state agencies when asked to serve our state. Politicians in Iowa – beholden to special interests and their re-election campaigns – have had the wrong priorities for the last seven years. They have squandered a billion-dollar surplus with tax loopholes and corporate giveaways, resulting in a budget crisis. They have consistently underfunded education, jeopardized Iowans’ health, and allowed incomes to stagnate, all while failing to protect Iowa’s precious natural resources and ensure clean water,” he said in a released statement.
“As Governor, I intend to get Iowa growing. My priorities are clear: fix Iowa’s budget crisis, invest in education at all levels to create skilled employees for the future, help grow small and mid-size businesses, and get incomes rising across Iowa. We need to make healthcare more affordable and accessible throughout the state, and invest in modern infrastructure, including high-speed internet services,” Hubbell added.
Hubbell’s ability to self-finance a campaign and his name recognition make him a formidable candidate both in the Democratic primary and, should he win, the general election.
2018 is going to be very interesting.
