2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa on November 10-12, 2019 *Updated

Julián Castro Returns to Iowa to Honor Veterans, Meet with Refugees and Hear from Iowans with Disabilities *Updated

SAN ANTONIO, TX (November 8, 2019) – Just days after his new ad began airing in Iowa, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro will return to Iowa on Sunday through Tuesday to hear from Iowans with disabilities, to meet with refugees, and to honor our nation’s veterans.

Secretary Castro’s campaign unveiled a new ad on Tuesday contrasting his positive vision with Donald Trump’s cruelty, corruption, and failures. He also unveiled nine new endorsements from top Texas Democrats who previously supported former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke on Tuesday and appeared on The Daily Show on Wednesday.

On Monday, Secretary Castro will attend a Veteran’s Day Service in Cedar Rapids and attend a roundtable with advocates and community members to discuss issues facing people living with disabilities.

On Tuesday in Iowa City, Secretary Castro will accompany an at-risk Honduran refugee to his "check in" with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jose Reynaldo Robinson Palacios, 33, fled Honduras as a teenager after being forcibly recruited as a child soldier. His requests for asylum have been denied but his Removal Order is temporarily stayed pending an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Before escorting Jose to the ICE building, Secretary Castro will meet with Jose and other refugees and migrant workers, including separated families and at-risk DACA recipients. Media will be able to attend the meeting, travel on the bus to the ICE facility, and sit-in on the meeting with ICE (without cameras).

Sunday, November 10, 2019

VISIT TO THE ARC OF SOUTHEAST IOWA
WHAT: Secretary Castro will visit with staff, parents and board members at the ARC of Southeast Iowa to hear about the work they do to serve the community.

WHERE: 2620 Muscatine Ave., Iowa City, Iowa

WHEN: Sunday, November 10, 12:45 PM CT/1:45 PM ET

WHO: Secretary Castro, staff, parents, board members

Monday, November 11, 2019

VETERANS DAY EVENT
WHAT: Secretary Castro will join veterans and families across Cedar Rapids for a Veterans Day event.

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Building & Commission, 50 2nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

WHEN: Monday, November 11, 10:00 AM CT/11:00 AM ET.

WHO: Secretary Castro, Veterans, community members.

DISABILITY RIGHTS ROUNDTABLE
WHAT: Secretary Castro will join advocates and community members for a roundtable on issues facing people living with disabilities.

WHERE: Ramada by Wyndam, 525 33rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

WHEN: Monday, November 11, 3:30 PM CT/4:30 PM ET.

WHO: Secretary Castro, advocates, community members

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

REFUGEE ACCOMPANIMENT
WHAT: Secretary Castro will then join community members as they accompany Jose Robinson to his asylum meeting at the Cedar Rapids ICE office. Secretary Castro will join others for a press conference after the meeting.

WHERE:

1) Meeting - Catholic Worker House, 1414 Sycamore Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240

2) ICE Meeting - Cedar Rapids ICE Office, 3351 Square D Drive, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 8:30 AM CT/9:30 AM ET; press conference 10:30 AM CT/11:30 AM ET

WHO: Secretary Castro, asylum seekers, CCI members, community members

Kamala Harris Campaign to Open Office in Mason City, Iowa on Saturday, November 16, 2019

Kamala Harris Campaign to Open Office in Mason City, Iowa on Saturday, November 16, 2019

Senator Kamala Harris’ campaign will celebrate the recent opening of its office in Mason City by welcoming local volunteers, supporters, and members of the community for an open house event. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet their local organizers and other Harris supporters. The Mason City office open house will come one week after Harris is in Mason City for a town hall.

The office will be a hub for campaign activity the Mason City area, and is a space where volunteers can make phone calls, learn more about Harris, join canvass launches and meet other Harris supporters. The presence of local offices is just one more way the Harris campaign continues to meet people where they are and organize in every county and precinct across Iowa.

Saturday, November 16

Kamala Harris Campaign Mason City Office Open House Celebration
When: 12:00 pm
Where: Team Kamala Mason City Office, 121 N. Delaware Ave., Mason City, IA 50401
PUBLIC RSVP HERE https://www.mobilize.us/kamalaforia/event/150005/

Tom Steyer To Participate in CNN Townhall at Iowa's Grinnell College on Sunday, November 10, 2019

Tom Steyer To Participate in CNN Townhall at Iowa's Grinnell College on Sunday, November 10, 2019

(DES MOINES, IA, Nov. 8th, 2019) — Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer will be participating in a CNN Townhall at Grinnell College this Sunday. He will be listening to voters concerns and answering questions. CNN's Brianna Keilar will be moderating the town hall.

CNN Townhall with Tom Steyer

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 10th,
Town Hall Start Time: 6:00 PM CT

WHERE: Grinnell College
1115 8th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112

New Iowa Endorsements for Cory Booker

Cory Booker Locks in Critical Caucus Support from Local Leaders Following Stand Out LJC Performance

Des Moines, IA - Following a stand out performance at the Liberty and Justice Celebration, Cory Booker secured new endorsements from a new coalition of local leaders and activists from across Iowa.

Cory Booker will be back in Iowa this weekend.

“Cory Booker continues to draw support from a broad coalition of Iowa leaders who are passionate about getting things done for their communities,” said Cory 2020 Iowa State Director Mike Frosolone. “These Iowans know that the only way we’ll defeat Donald Trump and heal this country is by nominating an experienced leader who can pull us together to create opportunity and justice for all. With their help, we’ll set Cory on the path to that nomination by winning on caucus night.”

“We need a president with bold ideas and the experience and vision to get them done. Cory Booker is the only leader in this race who fits that criteria,” said Joe Gorton, Gun Violence Prevention Activist. “He can excite our base with a progressive vision and expand our coalition with a values-based message that unites Americans, and I know that he’ll use his incredible skills as a leader to pass the gun safety reform we so desperately need when he’s in the White House.”

“There are so many great Democrats running this year. I support Cory Booker because he understands that the next president must do more than simply clean up the messes left by President Trump,” said Ben Nesselhuf, Former State Legislator and Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party. “The next president must bring the country together. That is going to be a difficult task, but I believe Cory Booker has the ability and the desire to make it happen.”

“I am proud to support Cory Booker because he cares about Democrats up and down the ticket, and if he is the nominee, he will be able to help elect Democrats all across the country,” said Jeff Perry, Ankeny City Councilmember-Elect.

“Cory Booker has the unique ability to guide our nation forward through this tumultuous time. His contagious positivity is desperately needed to heal our divisions. He leads with love and will fight tirelessly for justice,” said Bridget Carberry Montgomery, Urbandale City Councilmember-Elect.

Since February, Cory has been laying the groundwork for a caucus campaign that wins on caucus night and securing endorsements from local leaders is a critical part of that strategy. These endorsers join 74 other prominent Iowans, including State Representatives Kenan Judge, Jennifer Konfrst, Monica Kurth, Heather Matson, Amy Nielsen, and Mark Smith, in supporting Cory Booker’s 2020 campaign.

Full list of endorsements below.

Bruce Biederman, Former Iowa Farmers Union Board Member
Bridget Carberry Montgomery, Urbandale City Councilmember-Elect
Courtney Clarke, Waukee Mayor-Elect
Zach Geery, Simpson College Democrats Activist
Joe Gorton, Gun Violence Prevention Activist
Ben Nesselhuf, Former State Legislator and Chair of the South Dakota Democratic Party
Jeff Perry, Ankeny City Councilmember-Elect
Hunter Riley, Simpson College Democrats Activist
Angie Schneiderman, Sioux City Attorney and Community Volunteer
Rebecca Snethen, VP of Generations of Compassion Foundation and Jasper County Activist

Fort Dodge NAACP President to Host Grand Opening Celebration of Kamala Harris’ New Campaign Office in Iowa

Fort Dodge NAACP President to Host Grand Opening Celebration of Kamala Harris’ New Campaign Office in Iowa

On Tuesday, November 12, Fort Dodge NAACP President Sherry Washington will host the grand opening celebration of Senator Kamala Harris’ new campaign office in Fort Dodge. Washington will welcome local volunteers, supporters, and members of the community for the event. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet their local organizers and other Harris supporters. Washington is also the Iowa 4th Congressional District Democrats Affirmative Action Chair.

The office will be a hub for campaign activity in the Fort Dodge area, and is a space where volunteers can make phone calls, learn more about Harris, join canvass launches and meet other Harris supporters. The presence of local offices is just one more way the Harris campaign continues to meet people where they are and organize in every county and precinct across Iowa.

Tuesday, November 12

Kamala Harris Campaign Fort Dodge Office Open House Celebration with Fort Dodge NAACP President Sherry Washington
When: 5:30 pm
Where: Team Kamala Fort Dodge Office, 900 Central Ave. Suite 11, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

https://www.mobilize.us/kamalaforia/event/149565/

10 Iowa Elected Officials, Including Six Current Mayors, Endorse Joe Biden for President

10 Iowa Elected Officials, Including Six Current Mayors, Endorse Joe Biden for President

Current Mayors from Coralville, La Porte City, Pocahontas, New Hampton and Rowley Announce Support for Biden
Des Moines, Iowa – Following municipal elections on Tuesday, 10 Iowa elected officials – including mayors from across the state – announced their support for Joe Biden, joining nearly 80 other Iowa elected officials, prominent activists, and community leaders in backing him for president.

“Iowans know that Joe Biden is the strongest candidate to beat Donald Trump next November, and that’s why leaders from across the state are coming forward to proudly show their support,” said Jake Braun, Iowa State Director, Biden for President. “From standing up for the middle class to combating climate change, Joe has a proven record of turning progressive ideas into real results that Iowans and Iowa leaders are excited about.”

“It’s my honor to endorse Vice President Joe Biden because he has the skills, experience, and respect that Americans expect in the next President of the United States,” said John Lundell, Mayor of Coralville. “His service as a U.S. Senator and President Barack Obama’s partner exemplifies his unique ability to lead our nation. Joe has gained respect as a leader on the world stage and as a problem solver here at home. We need a candidate who can beat Donald Trump in 2020, and I’ll be proud to caucus for Joe Biden on February 3.”

“In Joe Biden, I see a man of empathy, integrity, and experience – that’s why President Obama chose him as Vice President, and that’s why I’m supporting him in the Iowa Caucus,” said JR Ackley, Marble Rock City Council. “As President, Joe will build on the Affordable Care Act with a public option – a transformational proposal that will bring costs down for Iowa families. Joe’s got the experience it takes to make meaningful change and unite our country again, and it’s clear that he’s the only candidate in this field who can beat Donald Trump like a drum.”

“There's no one who can restore the core values of our nation – as well as our relationships with our allies abroad – more than Vice President Joe Biden,” said Deb Larsen, Mayor of New Hampton. “After years of serving my community, I have a deep level of respect for who Joe Biden is: a public servant who looks out for working families and fights for folks from communities like New Hampton. I’m for Joe because he's got the integrity and the muscle to solve the major challenges our families face – from access to quality health care to affordable housing – and to unite this country once again.”

“Joe Biden is the bold, common sense leader we need to unite our country and restore our standing in the world after four disastrous years of Donald Trump,” said David Neil, Mayor of La Porte City. “Joe Biden is honest with folks and his word means something. Unlike Senator Warren’s, Joe’s ambitious health care plan makes sense – building on Obamacare with a public option to provide quality, affordable care. Let’s be clear: Joe Biden is the only one who can beat Donald Trump, and that’s why I’m honored to lend him my endorsement.”

The full list of endorsements includes:
• John Lundell, Mayor of Coralville
• David Neil, Mayor of La Porte City
• Dick Gruber, Mayor of Pocahontas
• Deb Larsen, Mayor of New Hampton
• Susan Marie Webster, Mayor of Rowley
• Jason Morse, Mayor of Polk City
• Dwight Lamb, former Mayor of Onawa
• Ric Jones, Dubuque City Council
• JR Ackley, Marble Rock City Council
• Martin Larsen, former Chickasaw County Sheriff

Elizabeth Warren to Return to Iowa on Saturday, November 16, 2019

Elizabeth Warren to Return to Iowa on Saturday, November 16, 2019

Charlestown, MA - Elizabeth Warren will visit Iowa on November 16 for town hall events in Waverly and Cedar Rapids.

Saturday, November 16th

Waverly Town Hall with Elizabeth Warren
12:00 p.m. CT (doors open), 1:30 p.m. CT (event begins)
Knights Ballroom, Saemann Student Center at Wartburg College
100 Wartburg Blvd.
Waverly, IA 50677
General public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/152775/

Cedar Rapids Town Hall with Elizabeth Warren
5:00 p.m. CT (doors open), 6:30 p.m. CT (event begins)
Taft Middle School
5200 E Ave. NW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
General public can RSVP here. https://www.mobilize.us/iowaforwarren/event/152777/

Former Iowa Deputy Treasurer Joan Bolin Betts Endorses Michael Bennet for President

Former Iowa Deputy Treasurer Joan Bolin Betts Endorses Michael Bennet for President; Chairs Central Iowa Steering Committee

Ames, IA — Former Iowa Deputy Treasurer Joan Bolin Betts endorsed Michael Bennet for President of the United States today. She will serve as Story County Chair, joining fellow Chairs in Poweshiek and Marshall Counties to form Bennet for America’s Central Iowa Steering Committee. Betts will lead the committee as it supports the campaign’s efforts to reach caucusgoers in the region and across the Hawkeye State.

“Only one candidate clearly stands out as having both a dedicated and successful history of public service: Michael Bennet,” said Joan Bolin Betts. “He tells the truth, legislates for justice, and works successfully across the aisle for all Americans. He has it all!”

Bolin Betts’ years of public service include tenures as Iowa’s Deputy Treasurer and Assistant Attorney General. She also served as an attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and advocated for county treasurers in her private legal practice.

Other committee members include Dr. Kesho Scott, of Poweshiek County, and Jeff Harris of Marshall County. Bennet for America has unveiled steering committees in eastern Iowa and Polk County in recent weeks.

“I support Michael Bennet because he has made leadership decisions on education that protect our democracy,” said Dr. Kesho Scott. “Since an American education is an equalizer of opportunity, I believe we need a candidate who can connect the dots between economic progress and the needs of young people as future citizens.”

Dr. Kesho Scott is an Associate Professor of American Studies and Sociology at Grinnell College, an award-winning writer, and an internationally renowned diversity trainer and consultant.

“There are a number of things that impress me about Sen. Bennet. His background includes law, business, and perhaps most impressive, the job of superintendent of the Denver Public Schools,” said Jeff Harris. “His tenure in the Senate has been one of thoughtful and fair legislation, and he has the ability to find common ground on both sides of the aisle. Michael believes that unifying the country is just as important as unifying the Democratic Party, which is a belief I share.”

Jeff Harris, of Marshalltown, owned a retail travel agency for over 20 years. Previously, he worked for a small manufacturer of hand-held cleaning tools and ran a rural public transit system.

Bennet spent more time in Iowa in September than any other candidate. He returned to Iowa last weekend to speak at the Iowa Democratic Party Liberty & Justice Celebration and meet caucusgoers in Union, Clarke, Polk, Black Hawk, and Warren Counties. This weekend, he will campaign in Pottawattamie and Woodbury Counties.

“Our path to victory runs right through eastern Iowa. Joan, Kesho, and Jeff are leaders in their communities, and we are so excited to have them with us,” said Iowa State Director Brian Peters. “Together, they’ll play an important role in delivering Michael’s message to caucusgoers across the region — and especially to some of the 9 million Americans who voted for Barack Obama twice and then Donald Trump.”

Michael Bennet represents Colorado in the Senate, but he has not spent a lifetime in politics. He turned around failing businesses in the private sector and improved outcomes for kids as superintendent of the Denver Public Schools. Bennet is the only candidate in this race who has won two national elections in a swing state. He has released comprehensive, field-leading proposals to provide high-quality, affordable health care with a public option, reward hard work, fix our broken political system, and tackle climate change by working with our farmers and ranchers.

Joe Biden to Travel to Iowa on Monday, November 11, 2019

Joe Biden to Travel to Iowa on Monday, November 11, 2019

On Monday, November 11, Joe Biden will travel to Iowa for Veterans Day and attend a town hall with veterans. Biden will lay out his vision for America and listen to voters’ concerns and ideas around restoring the soul of the nation, rebuilding the middle class, and unifying the country.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Town Hall with Joe Biden in Oskaloosa, IA
Doors Open: 3:30 PM CT
Event Start Time: 4:00 PM CT

Where: William Penn University - Musco Technology Center Atrium, 201 Trueblood Avenue, Oskaloosa, IA 52577

Event Attendance: Members of the public who wish to attend can RSVP HERE. https://www.mobilize.us/joebidenia/event/153063/

LULAC Iowa State Director Nick Salazar Named Bernie Sanders 2020 Iowa Campaign Co-Chair

LULAC Iowa State Director Nick Salazar Named Bernie Sanders 2020 Iowa Campaign Co-Chair
Salazar Named Co-Chair as Sanders Unveils Immigration Plan

DES MOINES -- Sen. Bernie Sanders’ campaign on Thursday named League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Iowa State Director Nick Salazar as a state campaign co-chair. The announcement follows the release of Sanders’ immigration plan, A Welcoming and Safe America for All. Salazar will make his first appearance as a campaign co-chair at Saturday’s Coralville rally to introduce Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“I personally endorsed Senator Bernie Sanders because he represents the best opportunity for America to truly transform itself into the nation that it can and should be,” said Salazar. “To win Iowa and build a movement we are bringing together a diverse group of leaders, along with millions of people, who are prepared to fight for justice and I am ready to be a part of that fight as campaign co-chair here in Iowa.”

Salazar has a long history of activism in his eastern Iowa community of Muscatine and serves as the Iowa Democratic Party 2nd Congressional District Affirmative Action Chair. In May, Salazar was unanimously elected as LULAC Iowa’s State Director and became the youngest person to serve in the role in the 62-year history of the organization in Iowa. Salazar has played an important leadership role in LULAC’s recent successful efforts to strike down parts of Iowa’s voter ID laws and the awarding of 62 scholarships to Quad City area students totaling over $54,000 in an effort to help ease the burden of college tuition. In October, Sen. Sanders participated in the LULAC presidential forum in Des Moines, receiving an enthusiastic reception from the crowd.

Salazar joins Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker as a Bernie 2020 Iowa campaign co-chair.