2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

John Hickenlooper Hires Kimberley Strope-Boggus as Iowa Political Director

John Hickenlooper Hires Kimberley Strope-Boggus as Iowa Political Director

DES MOINES, IOWA – Former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper’s presidential campaign continues to grow in Iowa, with the addition of Kimberley Strope-Boggus as Iowa Political Director.

Strope-Boggus, an experienced activist and community leader, previously worked in nonprofit recruitment and with NextGen Climate Action in Iowa. Additionally, she has been an active role of Democratic campaigns and local initiatives across Polk County.

“We’re building a strong organization that will give Iowans in every corner of the state to learn about Gov. Hickenlooper’s vision for the nation and record of progressive accomplishments in Colorado,” said Sam Roecker. “We’re thrilled to add Kimberley Strope-Boggus to our team and look forward to continuing to build our team in the coming weeks.”

Hickenlooper, who wrapped up his latest trip to Iowa over the weekend with stops in southeast Iowa, previously hired Sam Roecker as Iowa State Director and Ferguson Yacyshyn as Iowa Caucus Director. Roecker has worked with Democratic campaigns in Iowa since 2010, including managing Patty Judge’s 2016 U.S. Senate primary. Yacyshyn worked in Iowa for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and in 2018 as field director for Fred Hubbell’s primary campaign before serving as field director for the Iowa Democratic Party’s Campaign for Iowa in the general election.

Amy Klobuchar Campaign Announces New Senior Hires in Iowa

Amy for America Campaign Announces New Senior Hires in Iowa

DES MOINES, IA — Following Senator Klobuchar’s visit to the Iowa Statehouse on Thursday, the Amy for America presidential campaign announced additional key Iowa hires, including Political Director, Deputy Organizing Director and Digital Media Manager.

Jamie Woods, Iowa Political Director — Jamie currently serves as the Iowa Democratic Party's Black Caucus Chair and is on the Board of Directors for Emerge Iowa, a diverse organization that grooms women to run for political office at the local, state, and national level. Jamie has been involved in numerous Democratic campaigns in Iowa, including helping to elect Representative Phyllis Thede and Representative Ako Abdul-Samad to the Iowa House. She previously worked on President Obama's presidential campaigns, and as the African-American Outreach Coordinator in the Davenport office for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Jamie was inducted into the Iowa African American Hall of Fame in 2017 for her work in Iowa. Jamie grew up in a family that’s been dedicated to public service with her father, two brothers, former spouse, and many others having served in the armed forces and her son and daughter both involved in JROTC.

Andrew Larabee, Iowa Deputy Organizing Director — Andrew got his start in politics as a Field Organizer with President Obama's re-election campaign in Ohio. Since then, he has led field programs for Democrats and progressive issue campaigns across the country. Andrew has also managed several grassroots campaigns in the Midwest, including John Hamilton’s successful campaign for Mayor of Bloomington, Indiana.

Alli Peters, Iowa Digital Media Manager — Last cycle, Alli created digital content for Dean Phillips’ successful congressional race. Alli also spent several years working with small businesses in the Midwest to grow their digital presence through photography, graphic design and social media. She received a dual degree in Political Science and Business Marketing from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.

Klobuchar’s growing Iowa team is led by State Director Lauren Dillon and Iowa Campaign Chair Andy McGuire, who recently announced Andrew Nelson as Iowa Organizing Director and Courtney Rice as Iowa Press Secretary.

Youth Polk County Democrats Campaign and Caucus Fair with Tim Ryan in West Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, April 20, 2019

Youth Polk County Democrats Campaign and Caucus Fair with Tim Ryan in West Des Moines, Iowa on Saturday, April 20, 2019

Public · Hosted by Youth Polk County Democrats

https://www.facebook.com/events/433931083841867/

2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines

Hosted by Youth Polk County Democrats

We will be welcoming Congressman Tim Ryan to our event from 1pm-2pm!

Along with Congressman Ryan, representatives from the following campaigns will be present to connect with potential volunteers, interns and staff:

- Senator Elizabeth Warren
- Senator Amy Klobuchar
- Mayor Pete Buttigieg
- Secretary Julian Castro
- Congressman Beto O’Rourke
- Andrew Yang
- Marianne Williamson
- Congressman John Delaney
- Senator Bernie Sanders
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
- Congressman Eric Swalwell
- Senator Cory Booker

Venue: Raccoon River Park, Coneflower Shelter B
2500 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, 50265

*Turn left when you enter the park and follow the signs towards the Nature Lodge/Soccer Field/Dog Park.

Come join the Youth Polk Dems and enjoy the warm weather at our Campaign and Caucus Fair!

This will be a unique opportunity to directly connect with presidential campaigns you might be interested in volunteering or interning for in to 2020.

We'll have lots of information on the 2020 election/caucuses, ways to get involved, and a few *special* guests in attendance! Light snacks, games, and voter registration will be on-site with a few surprises too. Stay tuned for guest announcements and further details!

Iowa Democratic Party 2019 Hall of Fame Celebration on Sunday, June 9, 2019 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Iowa Democratic Party to Honor Fred & Charlotte Hubbell at 2019 Hall of Fame
Celebration to Feature at least 9 Presidential candidates, other honorees

DES MOINES – Today, the Iowa Democratic Party announced it will be inducting eleven Iowans into its Hall of Fame, including long-time Democratic Party supporters Fred & Charlotte Hubbell. The event will take place on Sunday, June 9, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“We’re honored to recognize these outstanding Iowans who have done so much to help grow and support our Party; this will be a tremendous celebration of the spirit of the Iowa Democratic Party,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Troy Price. “We’re also honored to have joining us several candidates who are looking to take back the White House and restore dignity and morality to the highest office in the land.”

Featured speakers will include presidential candidates including Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, John Delaney, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, John Hickenlooper, Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, and Andrew Yang. Each of these candidates have met a threshold to participate; more candidates could be announced at a later date.

WHAT: Iowa Democratic Party featuring 2020 presidential candidates and Hall of Fame Award Recipients
WHEN: Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 2:00 PM CDT
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids, 350 1st Ave NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
The following Iowans will be honored with awards at the Hall of Fame Celebration:
• Fred and Charlotte Hubbell, Outstanding Supporters
• College and Young Democrats of Iowa, Outstanding SCC Member
• Sioux County Democrats, Outstanding Democratic Party Chair
• Cindy & Elwood Garlock, Outstanding Activists
• Representative Ras Smith, Rising Star

https://events.mobilizeamerica.io/iowa/event/87268/?

 

Tulsi Gabbard to Visit Iowa Farmers, Veterans, Students on April 15–17, 2019

Tulsi Gabbard to Visit Iowa Farmers, Veterans, Students on April 15–17, 2019

DES MOINES, IA — Tulsi Gabbard, Hawaii congresswoman and presidential candidate, will be in Iowa this week, meeting with residents in Des Moines, Iowa City, Muscatine, Fairfield, Mount Pleasant, Fort Madison, and Burlington. She will be visiting farmers, veterans, university students, and those living in poverty-stricken communities and facing serious health issues due to environmental factors like water and air pollution.

Tulsi Gabbard will also host several meet and greets, which are free and open to the public.

Tax Day Forum w/ Guest Speaker Tulsi Gabbard
Monday, April 15, 2019
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Northwest Community Center
5110 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines

Iowa City Meet & Greet
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
10:00 am – 11:30 am
Yotopia Frozen Yogurt
132 South Clinton Street, Iowa City

Veterans Meet & Greet
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Carpenters Union Local 1260
1008 William Street #101A, Iowa City

Muscatine Meet & Greet
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Mississippi Brewing Company
107 Iowa Avenue, Muscatine IA 52761

Fairfield Meet & Greet
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Revelations Cafe
112 North Main Street, Fairfield

Mount Pleasant Meet & Greet
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm
Central Park Coffee
120 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant

Fort Madison Meet & Greet
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Sub Arena Sandwich Shop
2805 Avenue L, Fort Madison

Burlington Meet & Greet
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Bent River Brewing Company
500 Jefferson Street, Burlington

Kirsten Gillibrand Announces Kirsten Anderson Endorsement and Special Event in Iowa on Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Senator Gillibrand Announces Kirsten Anderson Endorsement and Special Event in Iowa on Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Ahead of her fourth trip to Iowa this week, Senator Gillibrand is proud to announce a new endorsement from Kirsten Anderson, a former Iowa Statehouse staffer who sued the state and won after being sexually harassed on the job.

“Kirsten Anderson is the definition of brave,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Her story is a powerful reminder of the systematic changes that need to be made to protect women in the workplace, on college campuses, and in the military. Kirsten is a tireless advocate on this issue, and I’m so proud to earn her support and have her voice on the campaign trail in Iowa.”

Senator Gillibrand and Kirsten Anderson will host a special endorsement event this Wednesday, April 17th at HoQ in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m. Senator Gillibrand will hold more than 10 public events during her three-day swing through the state this week, April 17-19, 2019.

Bernie Sanders to Visit South Carolina on April 18-19, 2019 **Updated

Bernie Sanders to Visit South Carolina on April 18-19, 2019 **Updated

Due to weather conditions, Greenville Rally will be moved indoors

Sanders to return to Palmetto State for town hall events hosted by South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and Working Hero South Carolina campaign

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders will return to South Carolina Thursday to attend town hall meetings in Spartanburg and Greenville.

The Spartanburg event, hosted by the South Carolina Black Legislative Caucus, will focus on education, criminal justice reform and the expungement process.

Sanders will then head to Greenville for a community conversation on poverty with Working Hero South Carolina, a campaign designed to raise awareness around state and federal earned income tax credits. He will be joined on the panel by Dr. Cornel West, Danny Glover and local anti-poverty champions.

Sanders will also hold a rally Friday in Greenville.

Thursday, April 18

5:30 p.m. Upstate Town Hall Meeting in Spartanburg with South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus Mount. Moriah Baptist Church, 445 S. Church St. Spartanburg, SC 29306
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upstate-town-hall-meeting-tickets-59588265105

Friday, April 19

2:30 p.m. Poverty Round Table in Greenville with Working Hero South Carolina West End Community Development Center, 404 Vardry St, Greenville, SC 29601
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged.

https://workingheroaction.org/sca/round-table-sanders

5 p.m. Rally in Greenville with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders The Peace Center Amphitheater, 101 W Broad Street Greenville, SC 29601Gunter Theater at The Peace Center, 300 S. Main St. Greenville, SC. 29601
Information for the public: This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is encouraged. Entrance is provided on a first come, first served basis.

https://act.berniesanders.com/signup/event-190419_greenville/

Kirsten Gillibrand Announces Three-Day Rural Listening Tour of Iowa on April 17-19, 2019 *Updated

GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCES NEXT IOWA TRIP, INCLUDING RURAL LISTENING TOUR & COLLEGE VISITS *UPDATED

Wednesday, April 17 - Friday, April 19, 2019

In her fourth trip to Iowa, Senator Gillibrand will hold more than 10 public events with caucus-goers during a three-day swing of the state. During her visit, Senator Gillibrand will hold meet and greets with college students and launch a rural listening tour to hear from Iowa caucus-goers.

Senator Gillibrand will kick off her rural listening tour in southwest Iowa, with stops in Creston, Clarinda, Atlantic, Harlan, Denison and Carroll. She will join caucus-goers to discuss mental health issues, access to affordable college, economic development and revitalizing main streets.

This will be Senator Gillibrand’s inaugural visit to Warren, Union, Page, Cass, Pottawattamie, Shelby, Crawford, and Carroll counties.

Additional events and details to be announced soon.

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

NEW: Senator Gillibrand Tours SW Iowa Flooding

Event: Senator Gillibrand will tour flooding damage in southwest Iowa with a stop in Pacific Junction and a tour of the Glenwood Resource Center.
Location: Glenwood Resource Center: 111 Lacey St., Glenwood, IA 51534
Flooding tour: 59283 205th St., Pacific Junction, IA 51561
Time: Tentative time is tour Glenwood Resource Center at 11:00 a.m. and Pacific Junction flooding tour at 11:45 a.m.

Brave Wins: Meet and Greet with Drake University Democrats
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with Drake University Democrats
Location: Papa Keno’s, 2330 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
Time: 4:15pm-5:00 pm / Doors open at 4:00 pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90350/

NEW: Endorsement Event with Kirsten Anderson
Event: Senator Gillibrand and Kirsten Anderson will greet caucus-goers and deliver remarks
Location: HoQ, 303 E 5th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Time: 6:30pm-7:30 pm / Doors open at 6:15 pm

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Indianola
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with Iowa caucus-goers and Simpson college students
Location: The Corner Sundry, 101 N Buxton St., Indianola, Iowa 50125
Time: 9:00am-10:00 am / Doors open at 8:45am
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90253/

SENATOR GILLIBRAND LAUNCHES A RURAL LISTENING TOUR IN SOUTHWEST IOWA
Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Creston
Event: Senator Gillibrand will launch her rural listening tour and meet with caucus-goers to discuss their concerns
Location: Adams Street Espresso, 213 W Adams St., Creston, Iowa 50801
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm / Doors open at 11:45am
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90254/

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Clarinda
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with caucus-goers to discuss their concerns about mental health
Location: The Garrison Coffee House, 106 N. 16th St., Clarinda, IA 51632
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm / Doors open at 1:45pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90256/

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Atlantic
Event: Senator Gillibrand will tour Iowa Western Community College and meet with caucus-goers to discuss her plans to make college free with national public service
Location: Cass County Center, Iowa Western Community College, 705 Walnut St, Atlantic, IA 50022
Time: Tour of the campus begins at 4:00 p.m. The event will begin at 4:15pm-5:15pm / Doors open at 4:00pm. Press is asked to RSVP for additional details.
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90257/

Senator Gillibrand Joins Pottawattamie Democrats for Meet and Greet
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with caucus-goers and deliver remarks
Location: Barleys, 114 W Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm / Doors open at 6:45pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90259/

Friday, April 19, 2019

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Harlan
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with Iowa caucus-goers and deliver remarks
Location: Mi Casa Restaurant, 512 Market St., Harlan, IA 51537
Time: 11:00am-12:00 pm / Doors open at 10:45 am
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90260/

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Denison
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with Iowa caucus-goers and deliver remarks
Location: Cronk’s Cafe, Angus Room, 812 4th Ave. St., Denison, IA 51442
Time: 1:15pm-2:15 pm / Doors open at 1:00pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90261/

Brave Wins: Conversations with Kirsten in Carroll
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with Iowa caucus-goers to discuss their concerns about rural economic development
Location: DMACC Carroll Campus, 2850, 906 N Grant Rd., Carroll, IA 51401
Time: 3:00pm-4:00 pm / Doors open at 2:45pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90263/

Meet & Greet with Iowa State University (ISU) Democrats
Event: Senator Gillibrand will meet with ISU Democrats and deliver remarks
Location: Stomping Grounds, 7129, 303 Welch Ave., Ames, IA 500514
Time: 6:30pm-7:15 pm / Doors open at 6:15pm
The public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/kirstengillibrand/event/90270/

Vikki Brown to Chair Eric Swalwell's Iowa Campaign

VIKKI BROWN TO CHAIR ERIC SWALWELL’S IOWA CAMPAIGN

AMES, IA – 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Congressman Eric Swalwell announced Thursday that Vikki Brown – chairwoman of the Black Hawk County Democrats – will chair his Iowa campaign.

“Vikki’s inspiring years of service to her community and the Democratic Party have made Iowa a better place, and I’m deeply honored to have her support as we go big, be bold, and do good to bring the promise of America to all Americans,” Swalwell said. “Her wisdom and energy will be valuable assets to our campaign.”

Brown, of Waterloo, has chaired the Black Hawk County Democrats since 2017. Under her leadership, the committee has succeeded in winning multiple highly competitive election victories including a Congressional seat, an Iowa state senate seat, and an Iowa state house seat.

She was inducted into the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame in 2017, where she received the Minnette Doderer Award of Outstanding Leadership. This January, she received the National Action Network Community Service Award, and in March she received the Emerge Iowa 2019 Dawn Local Elected Official Award.

Retired since 2006, Brown – a mother of three daughters and grandmother of three – feels a personal commitment to democratic values and making a positive impact in her community.

“Eric Swalwell was born in Iowa, he knows Iowa, and he’s determined to act on the issues that Iowans care most about,” Brown said. “He’s the best choice Iowans have in this Democratic primary, and I’m eager to get started spreading the word.”

Growing up in Birmingham, AL, Brown would sneak out despite her mother’s concerns to march for civil rights justice. She has been a staunch supporter of Democratic candidates since the 1970s, when she worked on mayoral and gubernatorial campaigns in Michigan.

She has been a Black Hawk County precinct captain and has served and volunteered on several city, county, state, and national Democratic campaigns, including President Obama's Inaugural Committee in 2008 and 2012. She also served on Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart’s successful 2015 and 2017 campaigns. In 2016 she was the Eastern Iowa African American Outreach Coordinator for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, and she represented Iowa as Ambassador at the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Swalwell, 38, now serving his fourth term in Congress, announced his presidential candidacy Monday night on CBS’ “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The announcement kicked off a 10-day national sweep with events in Florida, Iowa, South Carolina, California, Nevada, and New Hampshire.

Jay Inslee to Visit South Carolina on Monday, April 15, 2019

Jay Inslee to Tour Brownfields, Tout Need for Environmental Justice
Governor Inslee will tour revitalization efforts, and answer questions from voters

Seattle – On Monday, Governor Jay Inslee will make his first visit to South Carolina on his “Climate Mission Tour,” touring brownfields, visiting solar facilities, and meeting with Palmetto State voters in Spartanburg and Greenville.

At 11:00AM ET on Monday, April 15, Inslee will travel to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for a brownfield redevelopment tour and discussion centered on environmental justice. Inslee will be guided by Harold Mitchell, founder of the ReGenesis Project, through their revitalization efforts, including sites slated to become clean energy facilities.

Later that afternoon, Inslee will tour solar facilities at Furman University in Greenville at 2:45PM ET. Next, Inslee will participate in a town hall at 4:00PM ET moderated by Greenville County Councilman Dr. Ennis Fant at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville.

He will wrap up his trip to South Carolina with a meet and greet hosted by the Greenville County Democratic Party at 6:00PM ET in Travelers Rest.

Inslee, who is the only presidential candidate who has made defeating climate change and building a clean energy economy the cornerstone of his campaign, has been making stops to speak with voters across the country as part of his “Climate Mission Tour.” Since launching his campaign in March, he has visited Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Texas, California, New York, and Oregon.

Details of all events are below:

South Carolina - Monday, April 15th

Brownfield Revitalization Tour and Roundtable - 299 N Church St Spartanburg, SC 29306
11:00 AM ET

Governor Inslee will participate in a tour of redevelopment of brownfields, led by Harold Mitchell, founder of Regenesis.
Furman University Solar Facility Tour - Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613
2:45 PM ET

Governor Inslee will tour a solar facility at Furman University.
Town Hall Meeting - Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 505 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29605
4:00 PM ET

Governor Inslee will participate in a town hall meeting moderated by Greenville County Councilman Dr. Ennis Fant.
Meet and Greet Hosted by Greenville County Democratic Party - Swamp Rabbit Brewery and Taproom, 26 S Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
6:00 PM ET
Governor Inslee will discuss climate change and his campaign with members of the Greenville County Democratic party.