Democrat Brian Meyer and Republican Michael Young were both unanimously chosen as candidates for the October 22 special election in Iowa House district 33 during nominating conventions on September 4. Background on Des Moines City Council member Meyer is after the jump; he became the consensus candidate in this heavily Democratic district two weeks ago, preventing a potentially messy nominating process.

Young is a Marine Corps veteran who has lived on the south side of Des Moines for most of his life. He serves on the city’s Access Advisory Board, dealing with implementation of the Americans With Disabilities Act.

It would be a monumental upset for Meyer to lose this election. Not only do Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly 5,000 in House district 33, south side voters have elected Meyer to the Des Moines City Council twice. Democrats would be wise to take nothing for granted in a low-turnout special, though.

Iowa House Democrats press release:

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013      

Des Moines City Councilman Brian Meyer Wins Democratic Nomination

for October Special Election

Des Moines, Iowa – A special nominating convention of Democrats in House District 33 selected Des Moines City Councilman Brian Meyer this evening to be the Democratic nominee for State Representative in a special election to be held on Tuesday, October 22nd.

“It’s a great honor to be selected by my friends and neighbors in House District 33 to be the Democratic nominee for State Representative,” said Meyer.  “My focus will be to strengthen Iowa’s middle class and working poor, stand strong for civil rights and fight everyday for a cleaner environment. Over the next seven weeks, I look forward to meeting folks at their doorstep and listening to their concerns and ideas for our future.”

Brian is currently in his seventh year serving the citizens of Southeast Des Moines as a member as the Des Moines City Council.  Prior to his service on the council, Brian served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.  He is a 2002 graduate of Drake Law School and a former proud member of AFSCME local 1868.

“From his service on the City Council to his work at the State Capitol, Brian has the experience to hit the ground running and make a difference in the lives of the people in District 33.  I know he will serve the people of Des Moines well in Iowa House and I look forward to working with him to build a strong middle class,” said House Democratic Leader Mark Smith.

Brian lives in Southeast Des Moines with his wife Ann and two children, Evelyn and Clara.  He is a former Assistant Iowa Attorney General and former Assistant Polk County Attorney.  Most recently Brian served as Leader McCarthy’s legislative Legal Counsel for the past six years.

The special election held on October 22nd was called after former State Representative Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines resigned to take a post in Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller’s office.