On Monday afternoon, Carrie Koelker officially announced her candidacy for Iowa Senate District 29. Koelker, a Republican, will challenge incumbent State Senator Tod Bowman (D-Makoqueta) in November 2018 should she win the Republican nomination.
Koelker has worked at the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association – where she has served as executive director since 2000 – and the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau. Koelker has over two decades of experience helping communities in Eastern Iowa.
Her campaign announcement states that her experience in economic development provides Koelker “with the knowledge and experience to benefit economic development efforts in rural Iowa.”
Her campaign announcement highlighted her believe that public-private sector partnerships are the best way to ensure “a bright future for Iowa’s rural communities. Koelker says she committed to reducing taxes, so families can keep more of the money they earn, and job creators can bring new opportunities to Eastern Iowa.
Her campaign announcement highlighted education.
“Koelker understands new career opportunities for Iowa communities require an educated workforce, so she is committed to a strong education system that works for all Iowans, helps students reach their full potential, and produces career-ready graduates. Whether through a two or four-year college, vocational program, apprenticeship, military service, or going directly into the workforce, Koelker says she believes Iowa’s secondary education system must ensure post-secondary success by helping Iowans obtain the skills and training necessary to compete in a knowledge-based economy,” it said.
Carrie Koelker lives in Dyersville with her husband Barry and their four children. She also serves on the board of the Dyersville Area Community Foundation, the Iowa Destination Marketing Alliance, the Travel Federation of Iowa, and the Beckman High School Booster Club.