Polk County Democratic Leaders Back John Forbes, Call for New Leadership in District 1
More than 35 longtime Democratic leaders, activists, and elected officials, including Polk County Supervisors Angela Connolly and Tom Hockensmith, today announced their endorsement of former State Representative John Forbes in the Democratic primary for Polk County Supervisor in District 1, saying it is time to turn the page and restore leadership grounded in Democratic values, responsible governance, and putting people first.
The endorsers said McCoy’s pattern of siding with Republicans to maintain his power has undermined Democratic leadership in Polk County and contributed to division, distraction, and costly controversy at the courthouse. In contrast, they said, John Forbes understands that being a Democrat means putting people first — fighting for working families, protecting public resources, and keeping the focus on the core services residents rely on every day.
“For Polk County to move forward, we need leadership that reflects our values and focuses on results, not political games and power,” Forbes said. “I’m grateful to have the support of so many Democratic leaders who want to turn the page and elect new leadership.”
Connolly, who is nearing the end of a 26-year tenure on the Board, emphasized the importance of steady, full-time leadership focused on core services. “We need to get back to the basics of social services and meeting the human needs of Polk County residents,” Supervisor Connolly said. “John Forbes will show up every day, roll up his sleeves and do the work. He will be a full-time supervisor focused on the people of this county.”
Forbes also earned the support of 10 current and former legislators from Polk County, including Austin Baeth, State Representative who stated, “John has the integrity that is sorely missing on the Polk County Board of Supervisors, which has turned into a swamp under its current leadership.”
Hockensmith, now in his 24th year on the Board, said Forbes brings the character and leadership needed at this moment. “John Forbes is an honest leader who cares about people, will stand up for county employees, and help rebuild trust in Polk County government.”
Forbes said his campaign will remain focused on restoring trust, ending political dysfunction and delivering results on the issues that matter most to residents.
The Democratic primary election will be held June 2. More information is available at johnforbesforpolkcounty.com.
Democrats for John Forbes
- Marti Anderson, Former State Representative
- George Appleby
- Austin Baeth, State Representative
- Nancy Bobo
- Pat Boddy
- Gracie Brandsgard
- Ben Campney
- John Campbell
- Lauren Campbell, Windsor Heights City Council
- Angela Connolly, Polk County Supervisor
- Mark Cooper, Former South Center Iowa Federation of Labor President
- Kacey Davis
- Karin Derry, Former State Representative
- Catherine & Jim Dietz-Kilen
- Helen Eddy, Former Polk County Health Director
- Ed Fallon, Former State Representative
- Wayne Ford, Former State Representative
- Ruth Ann Gaines, State Representative
- Marie Herring
- Niki Hinton
- Tom Hockensmith, Polk County Supervisor
- Justin Hollinrake, Ankeny City Council
- Susan Judkins Gossett, Clive City Council
- Mike Libbie, Former Windsor Heights City Councilman
- Dr. Andy McGuire, Former Iowa Democratic Party Chair
- Helen Miller, Former State Representative
- Tom Miller, Former Attorney General of Iowa
- Eddie Mauro
- John Mauro, Former Polk County Supervisor
- Bridget Montgomery, Urbandale City Council
- Jackie Norris, Former Des Moines School Board Chair
- Sally Ortgies, Former Director of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation
- Jo Oldson, Former State Representative
- Rick Olson, State Representative
- Cyndi and John Pederson
- Laura Roan
- Virginia Rowen
- John Sarcone, Former Polk County Attorney
- Kristin Sunde, Former State Representative