Endorsements

Endorsements for John Forbes for Polk County Supervisor District 1

John Forbes has earned the endorsement of more than 70 Democratic leaders, elected officials, labor leaders and community advocates across Polk County. These endorsements reflect strong support for new leadership focused on Democratic values, accountability, and delivering results for Polk County residents.

Supporters include current Polk County Supervisors Angela Connolly and Tom Hockensmith, along with current and former Iowa state legislators like Rep. Austin Baeth, city council members, and longtime Democratic activists.

Endorsers cite John Forbes’ commitment to putting people first, strengthening mental health services, addressing food and housing insecurity, protecting taxpayer dollars, and restoring trust in Polk County government. Leaders across Polk County agree it is time to turn the page on division and bring steady, full-time leadership to the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Endorsements

  • 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 Central 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
  • 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
  • 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