Meet John Campbell, candidate for Iowa House District 34

John Campbell, 68, a retired lifelong community activist, is campaigning for Iowa House District 34. The seat was held by State Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad who recently retired after 18 years. Campbell, a Democrat, was born in Des Moines. The veteran, who has worked in labor for 32 years, has three children.

A total of five candidates are running for the seat, including:

Samy El-Baroudi, Democrat
Danielle Duggan, Republican
Rob Johnson, Democrat
Dudley Muhammad, Democrat

Campbell said he entered the race because Iowa is heading in the wrong direction with policies that “hurt everyday working people and our children’s futures.”

Here’s what Campbell told Black Iowa News about his campaign for Iowa House District 34:

“I’m running because I grew up and worked in this community and I know the issues that plague us are not the end of us,” he said. “I know we need to turn out the vote in our district — and I’m willing to walk every neighborhood I can to ensure people are able to participate. This really isn’t about me, it’s about us and what we can do for our children’s education, for protections for those with disabilities, women’s reproductive freedoms and health care access, for expanding mental health services and ensuring that our seniors are able to age in place with dignity.”

Campbell said he believes in choice: “choice to enjoy our freedoms and choice to vote without restrictions.”

He said Abdul-Samad has done a great job.

“I’m excited to show up to serve my community and continue the work that centers and uplifits those in our district and beyond,” he said.

Black Iowa News: What do you want people reading this story to know about your campaign?

Campbell: “I love the city of Des Moines and I am an Iowan through and through. Everything I’ve done from working with labor to advocate for working families to my voter rights activism, has centered around our diverse community. When I share my story and get to hear others share theirs, it reinforces my belief that this campaign is and will always be about the people and the common issues we face and look to fix. This is not a campaign looking to make promises, but it is a campaign looking to work together for solutions that work for everyone, regardless of their background. This campaign is about you and I, and what we can do to move our community and this state forward, together.”

Black Iowa News: What else do you want the readers to know?

Campbell: “I love this state — and as a veteran I chose to come back home to Des Moines after serving because I believe in Iowa and what this state offers. I’m running because I was compelled to do so. I believe in people over politics and that includes giving people the choice to choose who their representative will be in the people’s house. I’ve always been a people’s man and you never have to guess where I stand with policies that concern everyday working people. I want to show up for a community that has shown up for me, and I hope to earn each vote. I invite everyone to join our grassroots campaign by donating, volunteering or simply giving me a call or email — because I want to hear your ideas of how we can change Iowa one policy at a time.”

Learn more about Campbell’s campaign by visiting his website and Facebook page.