Primary opponent will seek nomination after Iowa Sen. Waylon Brown resignation

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

Doug Campbell of Mason City has announced he is again seeking the Republican Party’s nomination to run for Iowa Senate District 30, after the incumbent in that seat announced this week that he is resigning.

Sen. Waylon Brown, R-Osage, issued a statement on Monday, July 8, saying he was leaving the Legislature effective Wednesday, July 10, and giving no reason for his decision. Senate District 30 includes parts of Floyd, Mitchell, Worth and Cerro Gordo counties.

Brown had defeated Campbell in the Republican Party primary election held June 4, by a 52.8% to 47.2% margin.

With Brown’s resignation, the Republican Party will need to call a nominating convention of representatives from the counties that are in District 30 to select a new candidate for the Nov. 5 general election.

Campbell said Tuesday he is ready to be that candidate.

“I believe I have earned this opportunity through dedication, hard work and a deep commitment to our community. I am ready to be a strong candidate and a relentless advocate for our district,” he said in a social media post.

“I will make sure to represent the original intent of the Constitution and listen to you, fight for our Iowan values, and ensure our voices are heard,” Campbell said. “I am committed to working tirelessly for each and every one of you, focusing on the issues that matter most to us all. I will uphold your property rights, ensure our education system is strong and effective and work to create a brighter future for all of us.”

Whoever the Republican convention picks, that person will face Democrat Richard Lorence of Mason City in the November general election. Lorence won the Democratic nomination for Senate District 30, running unopposed.

“As we move forward, I am more committed than ever to serving North Central Iowa and making our state better for everyone,” Lorence said in a statement issued after Brown’s resignation.

“This election is a pivotal moment for our district, and we have the opportunity to bring in new ideas and address the challenges we face to improve our public education, protect our landowner’s rights from big corporations and ensure Iowan ‘s freedoms are protected from politicians in Des Moines,” Lorence said.