Friends,

After representing the people of Iowa’s 62nd House District for five years, today I’m taking the next step in my pursuit to help unite Iowans of all walks of life, all across the state, to find solutions to our common struggles.

I’m running for Governor of Iowa.

If you already know me and know the kind of positive change we can create for Iowa together, add your name to support my campaign. Otherwise, let me take a minute to share my story and why I’m running to represent you.

I’m a father, a husband, a public servant, a hunter, a farmer, a coach, and a counselor. My journey started with a military mom, who went on to become pastor of our local church, and a factory father, who was born on a sharecropping plantation and spent over forty years working on the assembly line at John Deere as a member of Local UAW 838. They taught me faith, the value of hard work, and how to see the world from someone else’s view.

I’m a proud native of east Waterloo where I still live with my family, but feel just as much at home in rural Iowa where I spent my formative years hunting and fishing.

My journey to the state house was not an easy one. Growing up, I experienced racism and prejudice firsthand, but over and over again, I also saw teachers, coaches, and even strangers stand up for me. The Iowa I know and love is one where communities take care of each other.

I learned early in life that service to community is just ‘what you do.’ From training student athletes, to helping kids get their basic needs met, to counseling them and getting them across the finish line at graduation, we are stronger when we have each other’s backs.

But all too often, I witnessed the government creating barriers to success instead of empowering students and families to be their best selves. And so, In 2016, I ran for the Iowa State House to bring leadership based on lived experiences to the capitol. As the ranking member of the Education committee and founder and chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, I work to bridge division, improve quality of life, and empower Iowans.

The people of our state value and take pride in their work, but Iowans deserve a government that is worthy of this work. A governor who amplifies what unites us, not what divides us. Because we’re all looking for the same things: A safe community to live in and raise our families. A career that keeps a roof over our heads, and fills our days with purpose. A chance to look beyond the next paycheck and start planning for the next generation.

I believe that this moment is our greatest opportunity for change. We can work together to create solutions that help the people of Iowa to not just survive — but to thrive. No matter what size community you live in, what party you vote for, what job you do — we’re all Iowans, and together we can write the best chapters in the story of Iowa.

Iowa is too good to give up on and I’m ready to work with every Iowan to create the future we deserve. Will you join me in the work by adding your name in support of my campaign for governor today?

Thank you. Let’s lace up our shoes and get to work!

— Ras