Voters in Iowa Senate District 26 will choose between Mike Wolfe (D) and Kara Warme (R) to represent them in the Iowa Senate.

According to his campaign website, Wolfe is a long-time resident of Story County and lives on a farm in Maxwell, where he raises livestock. Wolfe attended Iowa State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. He has worked in central Iowa for union mechanical contractors for over 20 years. 

Warme did not respond to a request for comments for this article.

The following interview with Wolfe was conducted by email:

How do you plan to help Iowans struggling to find affordable childcare?

Wolfe: “Investing state money in childcare availability will increase state tax revenue by allowing better workforce participation for young families. We should explore a combination of vouchers, public/private daycare centers, and tax credits to families to make sure that the increases in pay needed to attract childcare workers don’t price families out of the market.”

Where do you stand on reproductive rights for Iowans?

Wolfe: “I support repealing the 6 week abortion ban. The overwhelming majority of Iowans feel the ban goes too far and I agree completely. Further, I support protecting access to fertility treatments like IVF.”

What is your stance on lawmakers funding private school vouchers over public education?

Wolfe: “We should repeal the private school voucher program in its entirety. It sends hundreds of millions of tax dollars into the void as public oversight of that money is explicitly banned. Iowa can’t regain our lost ground on public education rankings by siphoning off students and funding into private schools that only benefit a small sliver of our children.”

How will you ensure children in Iowa schools are safe from gun violence?

Wolfe: “One benefit of increased public school funding is the ability for local school boards to have facility improvement money to secure school building access. Key card access doors, cameras to ensure staff can see what’s happening on their campus, and similar building projects.  Also, we need to support in school mental health counseling. Many families struggle to find mental health providers for their children along with getting kids to and from appointments.  Mental health access in schools can make sure kids get help when they need it.”

How do you plan to work with members of the opposing party to pass legislation that benefits your district?

Wolfe: “I plan to emphasize legislation that comes from our constituents rather than out of state consultants. It’s a lot easier to work on issues with positive local feedback!”