Last week, a fourth challenger to U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Iowa’s 4th Congressional District.

Steve Reeder, 58, a real estate developer from Arnolds Park, said in a press release prior to his announcement on September 26 at the Nutty Bar Stand in Arnolds Park said, “I want to create task teams from communities in the 4th District, so that concerns, ideas, and solutions may be heard. I want to provide transparent dialogue to restore trust and confidence in representation in Washington. By working together, we can create common-sense legislation.”

Reeder is a native of Omaha, Neb., and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in marketing. He currently runs a real estate developing business with his wife of 31 years, Brenda, that buys, builds, or renovates residential and commercial properties.

He said his 35 years of experience in the real estate and brokerage business gives him a unique perspective on problems that voters face.

“Real estate touches many different industries, and I’ve had the opportunity to build lasting relationships with business owners, farmers, truckers, light manufacturing, livestock producers, farm implement businesses and many other agriculture-related businesses. I believe my entrepreneurial success comes from the reputation I built in the business community over the years. I have always understood that a man is only as good as his word and he is judged most by his character; so throughout my career, I have worked hard to maintain high standards and stand by my principles, even when it was uncomfortable or unpopular to do so,” he explained on his campaign website.

Reeder joins State Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, Woodbury County Supervisor Jeremy Taylor, and former Irwin Mayor Bret Richards in challenging King.

Reeder is initially campaigning on balancing the budget, local control in education, a free-market health care system that benefits rural Iowa, and rural revitalization.

He is a current member of the Iowa Farmers Union, Organic Farmers Association, and Iowa Prairie Network. He was a board member of Pheasants Forever Omaha chapter for 17 years serving as Habitat Chairman which included the development of numerous habitat projects. He served on the Advisory Board of the Budge Porter Project in Omaha. For six years, he was a mentor for Tom and Nancy Osborne’s TeamMates Mentoring program. He volunteered to help youth for the non-profit organization Solutions for Change which helps homeless parents get back on their feet. He also volunteers reading to children at the local public library.

Reeder and his wife have two grown children.

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