Sweeney Nominated as GOP Candidate for Iowa Senate District 25 Special Election

(Eldora, IA) Iowa Republican convention delegates from Butler, Grundy, Hardin, and Story counties nominated Annette Sweeney to run in the Iowa Senate District 25 special election on April 10.

“As Iowans, we understand the call to pledge our hands to larger service,” said Sweeney. “I have been working on behalf of rural Iowa communities my entire life, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that work in the Iowa Senate. Iowa families deserve a world-class education system to teach the skills employers need, as well as prepare students for the new career opportunities.”

An Iowa native, Sweeney grew up on a family farm near Buckeye. After graduating from college, Sweeney educated middle school students as a teacher of English and speech. Upon her father’s untimely death in 1983, Sweeney moved back home to Buckeye to take over the family farm with her mother and sister. Annette and her husband Dave still operate the farm today.

“Annette Sweeney is a major force in Iowa’s agriculture community and her record speaks for itself,” said Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann.“Annette is abundantly qualified to represent the constituents of this district, and we look forward to helping her win on April 10.”

Sweeney has deep connections to Iowa’s agriculture community. During her time as a State Representative, Sweeney served as chair of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee. Most recently, she served as Iowa Rural Development Director for the United States Department of Agriculture.

Sweeney has served in numerous professional and community leadership positions with various organizations, including the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Women in Agriculture, Hardin County Assessor Board and Review, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Iowa 4-H, Iowa Angus Association, and former Congressman Tom Latham’s Ag Advisory Task Force.

Sweeney ended the night with a call to action. “Now is the time to focus on revitalizing rural Iowa – but I can’t do it alone,” said Sweeney. “I am counting on you for your support and your vote on April 10.”

Sweeney will face Tracy Freese who was nominated by Iowa Democrats on Monday. Freese is a small business owner from Dike. Freese has a daunting challenge as registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats 2 to 1 in the district.