(Des Moines, IA) The Reynolds-Gregg campaign announced on Friday that Congressman Rod Blum (R-Iowa) supports Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds in the Republican primary on June 5, 2018. Blum, who is serving his second term in Congress representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, joins Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley as co-chairs for the Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg’s campaign.
The campaign previously announced support from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and 1050 county chairs representing all of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“I enthusiastically support Governor Reynolds and Lt. Governor Gregg as they lay the groundwork for the 2018 election. Their plan to build a better Iowa is the right one, and they have the determination, work ethic, and strategy to get it done. As we work on the federal level to reduce taxes and regulation and maximize personal liberty, there is not a better partner to have on the state level than Governor Kim Reynolds. I look forward to voting for her next fall, and her successful reelection,” Blum said.
“I’m honored to have Congressman Blum join our team as a state Co-Chair today. We’ve worked closely on a number of important issues to help Iowans. I also know how dedicated Rod is to his constituents. He’s home every weekend, listens to those he represents and has followed through on the commitments he made when running,” Reynolds said thanking Blum for his support.
“Having Rod as a full partner on the federal level helps us immeasurably. Iowans deserve to have an integrated approach as we work to build a better Iowa for the future. Right now, our state’s unemployment rate is 10th best in the nation, and our high school graduation rate is #1 in America. And, just last month, we saw more than 11,000 jobs added to our economy. We can’t let up. With that in mind, I will continue working with Congressman Blum to build a better Iowa for many years to come,” she added.
Reynolds is being challenged by Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett and Boone Mayor Pro Tem Steven Ray in the Republican primary.
The Democrat field includes retired Des Moines businessman Fred Hubbell, 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.
Jake Porter, a small business owner and consultant in Council Bluffs is currently the only Libertarian running for Governor.