DES Moines, Iowa — We’re still about fifteen months out from next November’s gubernatorial election in Iowa, ten months out from the primaries.
Yet, it’s state fair season and that’s where candidates go looking for votes no matter the time of year.
Former State Rep. Brad Sherman, the first Republican to announce his run for governor, made his fifth stop at the Iowa State Fair this year. He said he’s spent a majority of his time talking with voters.
“Well one of the big issues is property taxes. People are just really upset about property taxes,” Sherman said. “We know we have to fund public services and property taxes is the major reason, major way we do that. So we can’t just end property tax otherwise our infrastructure would fall apart. But I think when a person reaches the age of 65, I think there’s a way we can make their primary residence at least property tax free.”
Sherman said they’re still looking in to how that would work.
If elected, he said his primary goal would be restoring the foundation of freedom.
GOP state Senator Mike Bousselot was also at the fair. He’s launched an exploratory committee but has not officially announced a run for governor.
However, that could change by the end of summer.
“Yeah, I want to make a decision by the end of summer, listening to voters, talking to my family, prayerfully considering everything that’s in the race,” Sen. Bousselot said.
He highlighted the importance of the open governors race in 2026. Bousselot said Iowa needs someone who is going to create jobs, keep cost of doing business in Iowa down and create vibrant communities.
“How do we make Iowa competitive nationally and a great place to do business and that’s what I’m hearing from voters,” Sen. Bousselot said. “Whether that’s Waukon, Iowa or Clear Lake, Iowa or wherever it might be. How do we keep those communities vibrant and keep Iowa a great place to live that’s affordable and you want to stay a business in.”
Both Sherman and Sen. Bousselot are sticking with tradition and talked about their favorite fair food.
“Well I think the pork chop on a stick has been my favorite,” Sherman said.
“The pork belly on a stick,” Sen. Bousselot said. “I just I absolutely love it.”
