Election - November 2021

Candidates

Candidate for Chairperson

Gregory Christensen

 

My name is Gregory Christensen, I was born in Palm Springs, California, grew up in rural Southwestern Oregon, attended Oregon State University where I received a Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Sciences, went to grad school at Northeastern University (east of Northwestern) in Boston Massachusetts where I received a masters in international relations, moved to Minnesota, then came to Iowa in 2018 to work the Iowa Caucuses for John Delaney. I spent most of my time helping down ballot candidates (including Cindy Axne) during the 2018 midterms and helped to build up the local county parties across the state through the Caucus. These days, I work in Public Relations for 270 Strategies where I manage our renewable energy portfolio in the midwest. This December, I will be graduating from Drake University as a Kappa Tau Alpha national honor society student with with a second masters degree, this time in Communications with a focus on Public Affairs and Advocacy. I’m probably best known in Iowa for being Cindy’s #1 cheerleader. I go everywhere and talk to everyone about Cindy, including representing her in 22 parades during this past year. For the last three years, I have consistently supported Cindy at her official town halls in counties across the district and at campaign events from Council Bluffs to Altoona. I’m also the only person who has knocked doors for Cindy’s campaign in all 16 counties of the current 3rd district.

As redistricting changes the contours of our district, I’ll use my extensive network of Democratic activists, county chairs, and campaign volunteers in Greene County and across the South Central counties of the new 3rd district to share with voters why we need to re-elect Cindy Axne in 2022.

Have questions for me? Send me an email: [email protected] or give me a call: 541-661-1764. Let’s get to work and keep IA-03 blue in 2022.

Candidates for 1st Vice-Chair

Kim Callahan

 

My name is Kim Callahan. My pronouns are she/her. I live in Des Moines with my husband and two daughters. I was raised here but lived away for over 20
years, including in Canada. We moved from Vancouver to Des Moines 10 years ago to be near family. I am a proud public-school parent. I believe in the power of education for all kids. I believe in equity, empathy, and compassion. I also believe we are better together. The power of people is not to be underestimated.
Until Covid, I earned an income as a corporate office manager. Two weeks after I lost my job in May 2020, I was elected to the State Central Committee of the Iowa Democratic Party. I honestly had no idea what I was doing but I knew I wanted to be involved. I have spent many months showing up, trying to learn and build relationships all over Iowa. In August, I got a new job with a small nonprofit focused on poverty awareness and social justice. I love it because I feel aligned with my purpose. I feel empowered to embrace true servant
leadership. We all deserve a seat at the table. I plan to keep working until we get there.

Pam Deichmann

Why am I running for and asking for your vote for the CD3 IDP 1st Vice Chair Position?

Goals:
1. Ensure a rural voice continues to be inserted into GOTV Strategies
2. Ensure every effort is implemented to re-elect Rep. Cindy Axne
3. Provide experience and support in organizing successful conventions, workshops, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) for democrats across the district

Who am I as a democrat in the CD3 IDP district?

I am a Madison County democratic activist in Southwest Iowa the past 30 years. I have served in many varied local and district central committee roles including current positions chairing district democratic workshop and convention planning committee. In the 2019-2021 time frame I have

  • Implemented strategies to develop the Madison county caucus, sites selections and educational efforts 2020 for the largest turn-out in over 10 years
  • Chaired the development Madison County Virtual County Convention (past history of chairing in person conventions)
  • Provided leadership for Madison County GOTV activities in the general election 2020
  • Provided Leadership in establishing virtual and in person CD3 IDP district conventions and workshops 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020
  • Lead District efforts to rotate district conventions and workshop across the district with local partnership
  • Long standing relationships with democratic networks across the district

Who am I professionally?

I am a retired RN nurse manager and public health official; who currently serves as the NE-IA Regional Disaster Health Services at the American Red Cross; and responds to local, regional and national disasters.

Who am I as a person?

I live in Winterset with my husband Craig. I have a daughter and grandson living in North Carolina; a Hawkeye fan, Master Gardener, Madison Co Conservation Board member, a Presbyterian, and etc. (I know… pretty predictable profile)

James Marren