DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa farmer and former county supervisor has become the first Democrat to announce he is running for Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley’s seat.
In a campaign video released Monday, Dave Muhlbauer says many Iowa voters “just feel like Democrats are leaving rural areas high and dry.” He portrays himself as vested in the future of struggling rural America as a fifth-generation farmer. Muhlbauer’s candidacy marks a shift in strategy for Democrats, who haven’t won a statewide race in Iowa in almost two decades.
At 37, Muhlbauer is also a half century younger than the 87-year-old Grassley, who has said he will announce his reelection plans in the fall.