Saying Iowa needs “new vision,” “fresh leadership,” and “better than what we have seen during this legislative session,” State Representative Todd Prichard announced today that he is “considering” a gubernatorial campaign. The rollout leaves little doubt that Prichard will eventually join the Democratic field. His campaign website now features a Todd Prichard for Governor campaign logo. His “leadership team” includes heavyweights like Marcia Nichols, former political director of AFSCME Council 61; Brad Anderson, who ran Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in Iowa; former Iowa Democratic Party state chair Sue Dvorsky; and State Senator Bob Dvorsky.
I enclose below Prichard’s news release and background on the candidate from his website. Last month Prichard discussed his life experiences and values at a Democratic gathering in Des Moines; you can read or listen to that speech here. Prichard talked more about his work and thoughts about a 2018 Democratic campaign message with Iowa Starting Line. Prichard has a political page on Facebook and is on Twitter @RepPrichard.
Two other Democrats launched gubernatorial campaigns earlier this year: Rich Leopold and Jon Neiderbach. (Neiderbach spoke to the Northwest Des Moines Democrats group on March 21, and Bleeding Heartland will soon post excerpts from his stump speech.) Former Iowa Democratic Party chair Andy McGuire is widely expected to announce a gubernatorial campaign in the coming months.
UPDATE: Prichard spoke at the Our Future–Iowa Starting Line event in Des Moines on March 23. Here’s the full audio, for those who want to listen.
Logo on the front page of ToddPrichard.com:
March 23 news release:
State Representative Todd Prichard forms committee to explore campaign for Iowa governor’s office
Veteran, prosecutor, and Charles City resident also announces new leadership team
Charles City, Iowa – Democratic State Representative Todd Prichard of Charles City has officially filed paperwork to explore a possible run for governor in the state of Iowa.
“I know Iowa can do better than what we have seen during this legislative session,” said Prichard. “The current administration appears to have given up on creating quality jobs and growing wages in communities like Charles City, and we need a new vision for Iowa.” I am considering a run for governor because Iowa needs fresh leadership with the vision to drive meaningful economic growth across the entire state, and I look forward to offering some new ideas as well as a new approach to getting things done for all Iowans.”
Representative Prichard has also formed a new leadership team to provide advice as he considers running for governor. Members of the leadership committee include:
Marcia Nichols: Nichols is the former political director of AFSCME Council 61 and one of the leading advocates for working families in Iowa.
David Dawson: Dawson is a former two-term state representative from Sioux City. He is currently an Assistant County Attorney in the Woodbury County Attorney’s office in the Juvenile Division.
Brad Anderson: Anderson was the Democratic nominee for Secretary of state in 2014 and served as the Iowa state director for the Obama-Biden reelection campaign in 2012.
Sue Dvorsky: Dvorsky is a former chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, co-chair of the Obama campaign in Johnson County, and a special education teacher for 30 years.
Bob Dvorsky: Dvorsky is a state senator representing parts of Johnson, Cedar and Muscatine Counties who serves as ranking member of the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee.
Keisha Cunnings: Cunnings and Prichard have partnered with two nonprofit organizations serving Charles City, Proud Parents Association and Be the Bridge.
From the “about” page of Todd Prichard’s campaign website:
Representative Todd Prichard was born in Davenport, Iowa to Phil and Delaine Prichard. The Prichards were small business owners who operated a carpet cleaning business.
After graduating from Davenport public schools, Todd attended the University of Iowa. In addition to studying political science and history, Todd enlisted in the Army Reserve and participated in the Army ROTC program to help pay for college and fulfill a desire to serve his country.
After graduating as the Distinguished Military graduate, Todd commissioned into the Regular Army as an Infantry Lieutenant. After officer training, Todd deployed with the First Cavalry Division as a rifle platoon leader to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Spring.
After returning to Iowa, Todd joined the 1/133 Infantry Battalion of the Iowa Army National Guard in Dubuque and started law school at the University of Iowa. Todd met and married Ann Stecher, a teacher in Van Meter. Todd was once again called to deploy with his National Guard unit to Egypt for six months as part of an international peacekeeping force.
After his deployment, Todd returned home and graduated from law school. After graduation, Todd and Ann moved to Charles City, where he started working as an attorney. A year later, Todd deployed again with the 1/133 Infantry Battalion to Iraq, serving as the Company Commander.
Todd returned to Charles City to rejoin his family and resume his legal work. Two years later, he opened his own general practice law firm. He also served as the Assistant Floyd County Attorney, where he prosecuted drug and violent crime, including domestic abuse cases. Todd continues to serve in the Army Reserve at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, and now serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in charge of distribution management for the 103rd Sustainment Command.
In 2013, Todd ran for special election and won his first term in the Iowa House of Representatives. While in the legislature, Todd has reached across the aisle to address important issues like human trafficking, water quality, veteran’s affairs, rural development and job training. While in the legislature, Todd has been recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Iowa Sheriff’s Association and the Iowa League of Cities.
Locally, Todd has volunteered his time to a variety of causes including job training, flood protection, and providing school supplies to area children. He has assisted wounded warriors and local veterans and served on the board of the Charles City YMCA and the Learning Center of Charles City. He remains active today, including his work with “Be The Bridge” that seeks to improve race relations in Floyd County.
Todd and Ann live in Charles City with their three children, Kate, Emma and Owen. Ann works as the Talented and Gifted teacher at Charles City schools. The family attends St. John Lutheran Church in Charles City.