Weaver leaves congressional race for 4th District

Maggie Curry

Kim Weaver, a democratic candidate who was set to run against current Rep. Steve King, has announced she is dropping out of the race.

Weaver was a candidate for a House seat representing Iowa’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Ames. She was the only opponent against Republican Representative Steve King.

She said death threats, personal health risks, and family health issues all influenced her decision. 

“After much deliberation, I have determined that the best decision for me is to withdraw my candidacy for the US House race in Iowa’s 4th Congressional District,” Weaver said on her Facebook page. “Beginning during my 2016 campaign, I have received very alarming acts of intimidation, including death threats. While some may say enduring threats are just a part of running for office, my personal safety has increasingly become a concern.”

She also cited keeping her health insurance, and therefore keeping her current job which provides it, as higher priority to campaigning full time.

She will be leaving the district and moving back to Des Moines, where her mother lives in poor health.

“Although I’m stepping down as a candidate, I still passionately support the defeat of Steve King,” Weaver said. “We’ve started a significant movement in this district, and it’s important to see that progress continue. I’ve said from the beginning that this isn’t about me–it’s about unseating Steve King and gaining real representation for the Fourth District of Iowa.”

She also said all the funds previously raised will be used in the district to continue to oppose Steve King. Weaver’s full announcement can be seen in a post on her Facebook page.