Greetings all. Excited to share an uplifting new discussion with Sarah Trone Garriott from our live event from earlier today. This was Sarah’s third time joining us, and as you will see she is a compelling candidate, a passionate leader, a proven winner in tough districts, and is in a very strong position to flip IA-3 blue this November.
Here is some of what Sarah told us when we met back in April:
“So it’s my life’s calling to serve my neighbor, and I’ve lived that out in a lot of different ways. I was a hospital chaplain. I was a parish minister. I worked for a food pantry network. And since 2020, I’ve been an Iowa State Senator……
In ‘24 I ran again, and that was a really tough year for Iowa Democrats. Trump won my district, but so did I. And I got through all of that and realized that we were going into a tough time for our nation, for our state. And I needed to step up and do more. Running for Congress is the thing. It’s a way to really help my neighbors. It’s to make a difference for everyone in the country at an important time to step up.”
And here’s Sarah today:
My life has always been about serving my neighbors, helping people solving problems……
I ran for state Senate because I wanted to bring that kind of energy to our state government. That's why I'm running for Congress now. Our neighbors are just so hungry for leaders with integrity, leaders who are showing up for them in Washington. And what they're seeing right now in our current congressman is a guy who took $1.7 million from corporate PACs, who's voted to cut Medicaid, who voted five times for this war in Iran that's raising gas prices and just destroying the farm economy. A guy who took $50,000 from folks in the Epstein files and then voted against releasing the files. I mean, they can see that he is showing up for big money, for corporate PACs, for his party leaders, but he's not showing up for us. And we're suffering because of it.
Here’s more about IA-3, a Cook R+2, “Toss Up” district including the 2024 results in what was a tough year in Iowa:
You can support Senator Garriott today by making a contribution to our core Winning The House - Stake In The Ground Fund or by giving to her campaign directly here. You can learn more about Senator Garriott by visiting her campaign website where you can also sign up to volunteer. As you will hear me saw in the discussion it is clear based on recent spending decisions and a deteriorating map that Republicans have decided to make a stand in Iowa and are going to spend whatever it takes there to prevent this from becoming one of the big Democratic success stories of this promising election.
Here are two ad new ads from her campaign:
Friends, enjoy today’s update from state Senator Sarah Trone Garriott, and let’s do what we can to help bring this leader of character and strong values - another servant leader - to Washington next year. I will say she is one of my favorite candidates this cycle, someone who will make a difference in Washington if elected, and I hope you will join me in doing everything you can to help her win.
Please share this interview with others, hit like so more will see it, throw a contribution her way, and keep working hard everyone. We have a country to save, and elections like this one in Iowa to win this November, together! - Simon
Sarah Trone Garriott has always been called to serve her community, as a minister, a mom, a nonprofit leader, and a State Senator.
Early on, her calling to serve led Sarah to join AmeriCorps, dedicating a year as a VISTA volunteer supporting victims of domestic violence. Her journey continued at Harvard Divinity School, where she deepened her understanding of faith while working at a women’s shelter and a youth-focused nonprofit.
Sarah’s calling to service next led her to hospital chaplaincy, where she supported individuals and families navigating their most challenging moments. This work inspired her to enter ministry, becoming an ordained Lutheran pastor. She first served a congregation in rural Virginia before moving to Iowa in 2013 to lead Faith Lutheran Church in Clive.
Sarah took her ministry out into the world as the Coordinator of Interfaith Engagement for the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network. As a nonprofit leader, she champions initiatives addressing food insecurity and fosters collaboration across diverse religious communities.
In 2020, frustrated that her elected leaders weren’t listening to the concerns of her community, Sarah ran for public office. That year, she successfully flipped a Republican-held seat in the Iowa State Senate. In 2022, as a result of redistricting, Sarah moved her family to take on then-Senate President Jake Chapman. She won that seat by 3 points while Gov. Kim Reynolds carried it by 7 points. In 2024, she defended her district even though Trump won it. She is the only Democrat in Iowa to flip multiple districts while representing a district won by Donald Trump.
Throughout her service in the State Senate, Sarah has defined herself as an advocate for working families: championing accessible and affordable healthcare, mental health programs, support for public schools, paid family leave, quality childcare, and reproductive rights. Recognized for her pragmatic leadership, Sarah has continuously demonstrated her ability to unite Iowans across party lines. Her commitment extends beyond policy to genuine community engagement, constantly showing up to listen, support, and act on behalf of her constituents.
Sarah knows firsthand how difficult it is to make ends meet and provide for a family. She put herself through college working at Walmart, waiting tables, cleaning hotel rooms, and working odd jobs. As a working mom, Sarah understands the challenge of finding quality, affordable childcare. With both of her sons attending West Des Moines Community Schools, she knows the importance of excellent public education.
Sarah’s call to service continues: She is running for Congress to ensure Iowans have a voice in Washington. Her journey from service worker to minister, nonprofit leader, and state legislator is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service and the people of Iowa.
