NW Iowa News

Even in the midst of COVID-19 concerns, the Iowa Primary is still currently expected to take place June 2, and the list of O’Brien County candidates has been finalized.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak) is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Her challenger in November will be chosen from among five Democrats: Michael Franken, Kimberly Graham, Theresa Greenfield, Eddie J. Mauro and Cal Woods.

In the U.S. House 4th District, Democrat J.D. Scholten is unopposed in the primary. On the Republican side, incumbent Rep. Steve King (R-Storm Lake) will face challengers Randy Feenstra, Steven Reeder, Bret A. Richards and Jeremy Taylor in the primary.

In Iowa Senate District 2 Republican Jeff Taylor is running unopposed in the primary, and no Democrats have filed.

In Iowa Senate District 3, no Democratic candidates have filed. The Republican candidate for November will be chosen June 2 from among Dennis J. Bush, K. Lynn Evans and Mark McHugh.

O’Brien County Sheriff Allen Schuknecht has announced plans to retire, and his presumptive replacement will be chosen from among Republican candidates Brenda Starr Collier of Primghar, and Bruce Devereaux of Paullina, who currently serves as Schuknecht’s Chief Deputy.

In Supervisor District 1, incumbent Sherri L. Bootsma is on the Republican primary ballot, as are District 2 incumbent John Steensma and District 3 incumbent Nancy McDowell. 

O’Brien County Auditor Barb Rohwer is on the June 2 Republican Primary ballot, and no Democrats have filed.