We’re Ready to Turn Iowa Blue in 2016

As 2015 comes to a close, I could not be more proud of the great year we’ve had. Thanks to the hard work of our Democratic leaders and activists, we have built a strong and dynamic Iowa Democratic Party that is ready to turn Iowa blue in 2016.

I saw firsthand this year the incredible passion and dedication of Democrats all across our state. I had the incredible opportunity to listen to and talk with Democrats in more than 60 counties about how together we can grow our party and elect more Democrats up and down the ballot.

And after these discussions, I am more confident than ever before that we are building something special here in Iowa.

We are energized. It was clear in 2015 that Iowa Democrats are fired up and ready to elect Democrats. Our Hall of Fame Dinner was energized and showcased our Democratic values. Our Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was electric and showcased our enthusiasm. And thousands of Iowans have met firsthand with our presidential candidates in recent months to talk about important issues facing our country.

We have a winning message. This year, Iowa Democrats stood strong and united in the face of the Branstad-Reynolds administration’s misguided agenda. We sent a clear and strong message to the people of Iowa that we, the Democratic Party, are on your side. We support fully funding our schools, and we will fight every day to make sure Iowans, especially our most vulnerable, have the quality health care they need.

Here in Iowa, we’ve had a front row seat for months as Republican presidential candidates have followed Donald Trump’s lead in supporting out-of-touch and dangerous policies. All the while, our Democratic candidates have focused on highlighting solutions to help grow the middle class and keep our country safe.

We’re organized. We are hard at work in preparation for a great caucus night on February 1. We are so fortunate to have so many amazing chairs and volunteers working each day to ensure our caucus run smoothly. We could not do it without you!

But for all the progress we have made and continue to make in 2015, I know that we will have to double our efforts in 2016. We have three remarkable candidates running for president, and it is up to all of us to make sure Iowa is in the Democratic column once again. We can re-elect Dave Loebsack, make Rod Blum and David Young one-term Congressmen, fire Steve King, and send Chuck Grassley into retirement.

We must turn Iowa blue up and down the ballot. We need to expand our majority in the state Senate, and retake control of the Iowa House. Electing Democrats to the legislature will ensure the priorities of Iowa’s working families are once again at the top of the legislative agenda.

And we cannot stop there. We must elect Democrats to local courthouses and school boards and county commissions.

I know that together we can accomplish these goals. I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead!