Osage woman Deb Scharper challenges Brown for state Senate District 26

Press Staff Report

An Osage health care worker announced this week she is seeking the Democratic nomination for the Iowa state Senate seat for District 26.

Deb Scharper of rural Osage is an Iowa native and a graduate of Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock High School. She is a CT technician at the Mason City Clinic.

“We must elect leaders in the Statehouse who are willing to listen to all Iowans and work to find solutions that will make our state a better place to live, work and raise a family,” Scharper said. “I have a passion for public service and for helping families and communities.”

No Democrats filed for the June 2 party primary election for Senate District 26.

Daniel Wasta, campaigns director for the Iowa Senate Majority Fund, said there will be a party nominating convention held in the Senate district at a date to be determined by the state party.

If nominated, Scharper will challenge Waylon Brown of St. Ansgar, the Republican incumbent finishing his first term in office.

Senate District 26 includes Floyd, Chickasaw, Howard, Mitchell and Worth counties, as well as parts of Cerro Gordo and Winneshiek counties.

Scharper is also active in the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, where she serves as an ambassador for the state of Iowa. Frontotemporal degeneration is the leading cause of dementia in people younger than 60.

Scharper and her husband, Cory, are raising three children. Cory owns and operates Scharper Services in Osage.
Scharper said her priorities include improving access to affordable health care for all Iowans; focusing more state resources on creating good-paying jobs; adequately funding local public schools, community colleges, and job training programs; and expanding access to high-speed internet in all corners of the state.

“I will be visiting every corner of the district to listen to as many people as possible,” she said.