John Forbes Announces Second Round of Endorsements for Polk County Supervisor District 1
John Forbes, Democratic candidate for Polk County Supervisor in District 1, announced today a second round of endorsements from more than 35 Democratic leaders, elected officials, and community advocates across Polk County.
Supporters in this round include Iowa Senator Matt Blake, former Windsor Heights Mayor Jerry Sullivan, longtime community leader Peggy Huppert, current and former state legislators, city council members, labor leaders, and longtime Democratic activists.
“John Forbes understands that county government works best when it is a true partner with cities,” said Jerry Sullivan, former Mayor of Windsor Heights. “As a former Mayor of Windsor Heights, I know how important it is to have county supervisors who listen, collaborate, and help move shared priorities forward. John has the experience, judgment, and steady leadership Polk County needs.”
“John Forbes knows how the Statehouse works, and that matters for Polk County,” said Iowa Senator Matt Blake. “As a former state legislator, John understands how to advocate effectively on big issues that directly impact county government — from water quality to property tax reform. Polk County needs a supervisor who can work with cities, counties, and state leaders to get results, and John Forbes has the experience to do exactly that.”
Endorsers cited Forbes’ commitment to collaborating with local government leaders and his ability to advocate at the state level for needed changes on major issues like water quality and property tax reform.
Peggy Huppert, a longtime community leader and former Chair of the Polk County Democrats, said Forbes is the kind of leader Polk County needs at a time when local governments are facing major challenges.
“I’m supporting John Forbes for Polk County Supervisor because I believe we need to move away from the divisiveness and chaos of the past few years,” Huppert said. “Polk County is a Democratic county. We should have Democrats in charge of policy. Right now we don’t because Matt McCoy has formed an alliance with the two Republicans on the board. Cities and counties will be facing huge funding challenges in the years ahead because of actions taken this session by the Republican Legislature and Governor. This is not the time for grudge matches. We need to all be rowing in the same direction. John will provide that leadership.”
A full list of endorsements is below.
Endorsements for John Forbes for Polk County Supervisor District 1
- Mary Ann Ahrens
- Randy Bauer, Former State of Iowa Budget Director
- Teresa Baustian
- Matt Blake, Iowa State Senator
- Melvin Bobo
- Bob Brown
- Gloria Cano
- Mary Core
- Bev Evans
- Jane Fogg, Former West Des Moines Community Schools Board Member
- Kate Gainer, Former CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association
- Mary Gottschalk
- DJ Hassel
- Mitch Henry, Chairman, Iowa Unity Council
- Molly House
- Dr. Stephen Humphrey
- Peggy Huppert
- Elaine Imlau
- Sheryl Jensen
- Cathy Jury
- Diane Kolmer
- Barb McClintock
- Judy McCoy Davis
- Gene Meyer, Former Mayor of West Des Moines
- Bob Mulqueen
- Jeff O’Donnell
- Brice Oakley
- Debra Peckumn
- Mandy Penning, Former Deputy Director of the Polk County Health Department
- Mary Polson, Former Urbandale City Council
- Jan Reinecke
- Kate Ross
- Jim Schissel
- Lisa Majors Schissel
- Liz Seiser
- Ric Silvestrini
- Kathy Stuart
- Jerry Sullivan, Former Mayor of Windsor Heights
- Mark Allen Thompsen
- Mike Tramontina
- Margi Weiss
- Jackie Wellman
- Ann Wilson
- Phil Wise, Former Iowa State Representative
The Primary for Polk County Supervisor, District 1 is being held June 2.