Friend,

It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent my community, and serve my state, as a member of the Iowa Senate for the past eight years and as the Minority Whip this past session. The election is over and the recount has concluded. By one of the narrowest margins in the state, I will not be returning to the Iowa Senate this January. Congratulations to Mike Pike on his electoral victory.

I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do and the things we have accomplished over the past eight years. Fighting for Iowa’s workers—leading an all-night floor to challenge legislation that gutted workplace rights for thousands of union workers who answer the call of public service. Fighting to protect injured workers whose bodies and earnings are damaged as they contribute to Iowa’s economic success. Standing up for kids and introducing and passing through the Senate bipartisan legislation designed to help them get coverage for the medical care they need.

I now return to my law practice where I continue to stand up for Iowans in our courtrooms: those whose careers or lives were ended by workplace injuries, those disabled or killed by the negligence of others, and those wrongfully terminated from the careers they count on to support their families.

My most important role, that of husband to Andrea and father to Gwyn and Alys, has always been my priority. I want to express my sincere gratitude to my family for the sacrifices they have made to allow me to serve. I will continue to fight for them, for our public schools, and the future state we will leave for my two little girls, my best buddy and my best friend, and all of the rest of the next generation of Iowans.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my constituents, who twice elected me to be their advocate in the legislature. Setbacks are opportunities to take on new challenges. While this term in the Iowa Senate is ending, I remain dedicated to working towards economic and social justice as we pursue a brighter, stronger future for our community, our state, and our nation.