Two candidates are seeking to represent Iowa House District 27, which covers Waukee and portions of Clive.
Incumbent Democrat Rep. Kenan Judge and Republican Oliver Bardwell ran unopposed in their party primaries and will now face-off in the general election.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The general election is Nov. 5.
Learn More: Your Iowa Voter Guide 2024
Age: 67
Party: Democrat
Where did you grow up? : Georgetown
Current town of residence: Waukee
Education: Albia High School
Occupation: Retired from a 38-year career with Hy-Vee
Political experience and civic activities: I have served three terms (six years) in the Iowa House. I also help with supporting Waukee Area Christian Services, a community food bank, children's clothes closet and walk-in health clinic. I am a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Age: 52
Party: Republican
Where did you grow up? Winterset
Current town of residence: Clive
Education: Des Moines Area Community College and the University of Iowa
Occupation: Homebuilder
Political experience and civic activities: I’ve spent several years at the Capitol, testifying and educating legislators to protect Iowans' rights. I was a founding member of the Dallas County Local Housing Trust Fund Committee, helping elderly and low-income residents with essential home repairs. I served on the Planning and Zoning Commission in De Soto, influencing local development. As director of coaching on the Van Meter soccer board, I helped grow the club. Now, I’m ready to bring my experience to the Legislature for even greater positive change.
What would be your top issue should you be elected?
Judge: In my view the top issues are supporting our schools and teachers with the resources they need to be successful. A well-educated workforce will grow our economy. Affordable and accessible health care is important and lowering prescription drug costs will help everyone. Fully funding the expansion of mental health care accessibility is very important. I believe that civility, integrity and honesty are important now more than ever in politics. I bring this skill set to the Legislature and have shown that I will work with everyone regardless of political party.
Bardwell: My top priorities are building a stronger economy, lowering taxes, and creating new job opportunities. I’m committed to supporting small businesses and expanding access to mental health care, which is critical for Iowa’s future. Education is also a key focus, particularly strengthening our schools by returning to the fundamentals and expanding trade and technical programs. I’ve spent years advocating for these issues at the Capitol, and I’m ready to bring practical solutions that remove politics from the classroom and help build an Iowa we can all be proud of.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa's education system?
Judge: I am a strong believer in public education and wholeheartedly believe that our future as a state depends on our investment in public education and the teachers in the classroom, properly funding public education and having a bold approach to getting Iowa No. 1 in education. We need to keep our Area Education Agencies in place. Every child that needs special education services should be taken care of. We need to support our teachers in the classroom so they have what they need.
Bardwell: To improve Iowa’s education system, we need to focus on two critical areas. First, we must ensure all students receive a strong foundation in core subjects like math, science, reading, and writing, which are essential for lifelong success. Second, we must expand vocational and technical training in high schools and community colleges to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in our trades. As a homebuilder, I see firsthand how valuable these skills are. By focusing on these areas, we will open up more career opportunities for graduates, equipping them with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
What do you think Iowa's tax policy should be? Do you believe the state's priority should be on lowering rates or spending on services for Iowans?
Judge: I believe we can do both. I look at this like I do most things, through the lens of moderation. If we have a surplus we should lower taxes. I have voted in favor of four tax cuts in my six years in office.
Bardwell: I believe Iowa should work toward a 0% state income tax while also lowering property taxes. This approach will provide immediate financial relief to all Iowans and make our state more attractive to businesses and residents, fostering economic growth and job creation. However, it’s essential to implement this policy responsibly by ensuring that we cut wasteful spending and prioritize efficiency in government services, so we continue to fund critical areas like education and infrastructure while giving taxpayers more control over their hard-earned money.
What policies would you support to improve school safety in Iowa?
Judge: We need a multi-prong approach. Upgrade school safety infrastructure and invest in mental health care services. I am also a big believer in school resource officers. I don't think the answer is to arm teachers and staff.
Bardwell: In my time at the Capitol as a citizen advocate, I’ve supported legislation aimed at improving school safety by providing schools with advanced surveillance technologies and monitoring systems. These tools are vital for protecting our children and ensuring that school grounds are secure. Additionally, I believe in the importance of early detection and intervention when it comes to mental health issues. By combining enhanced security with proactive mental health support, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all Iowa students, giving parents peace of mind and strengthening our communities.
Iowa's six-week 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban is now in effect. What next steps do you believe the Iowa Legislature should take when it comes to abortion?
Judge: This is an intensly personal decision that should be left up the the woman and her doctor. I have learned by talking to women that every situation is different. We should not make this political.
Bardwell: My focus is on supporting young women and families by expanding access to prenatal care, maternal health services, and practical resources like counseling, education, and child care. These decisions are deeply personal, and it’s essential to provide comprehensive support for both young women and men. By empowering individuals and offering resources, we can foster a culture of care, compassion, and informed decision-making.
Philip Joens covers retail and real estate for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates running for Iowa House District 27 in Waukee and Clive
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