After laying the groundwork over the last couple of months, Richard Gilmore formally launched his campaign in Iowa Senate district 39 today. He is the first Democratic candidate in what will likely be among the most competitive Iowa Senate races in 2014. Gilmore previously ran for Washington County supervisor in 2012.
After the jump I’ve posted a map of the district and Gilmore’s announcement, containing background information. As of September 2013 (pdf), Iowa Senate district 39 contained 13,323 registered Democrats, 13,340 Republicans, and 16,276 no-party voters. Two candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for the open seat: Michael Moore and Royce Phillips. Longtime Johnson County GOP activist Bob Anderson is considering the race but has not announced his decision, to my knowledge. UPDATE: Anderson filed papers as a candidate for state Senate in September.
September 26 press release:
Gilmore Announces Candidacy for State Senate
WASHINGTON, Iowa-Richard Gilmore of Washington announced today that he will seek the Democratic nomination for the Iowa Senate in 2014.
Gilmore will run in the new Senate District 39, which includes all of Keokuk County; most of Washington County; and portions of western and southern Johnson County, including the communities of Swisher, Shueyville, Oxford, North Liberty, Tiffin, Frytown, and Lone Tree.
“I have worked hard all my life to make Iowa a better place and to fix problems,” Gilmore said. “I am committed to being a State Senator who will represent the people of Johnson, Keokuk and Washington counties by working to spur job growth and the quality of life in our local communities.”
Gilmore grew up on a farm in Eastern Iowa and is a graduate of the United Electronics Institute in West Des Moines. He has worked as a line serviceman, as well as repairing televisions, medical and x-ray equipment.
After moving to Washington in 1995, he began a two-year renovation of a Victorian farmhouse, which he then operated as a bed and breakfast for 10 years before starting to restore older homes. He has restored and remodeled five homes in Washington.
He is a member of the Washington United Methodist Church, where he has served as Chair of the Trustees and as Finance Chair. He is also an avid bicyclist, including serving as President of the Iowa Bicycle Racing Association.
Gilmore and his wife, Robin Plattenberger-Gilmore, have been married for 40 years. Richard and Robin adopted two children, who are now grown. Robin is a family physician in Washington.
“I’m going to knock doors and meet as many people as possible because I want to hear what they have to say. I’m running to represent the people of Senate District 39 and I’m ready to go to work for them,” Gilmore said.
Gilmore promised to campaign by talking personally with as many voters as possible across the district.
“People are welcome to call me at my home, 319-461-8550, or email me at gilmore39senate@gmail.com,” Gilmore said.
