Rep. Prichard forms leadership committee for possible governor campaign

By Kate Hayden, khayden@charlescitypress.com

Rep. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, is announcing the formation of a exploratory committee as he considers a run for governor.

“I’m working with a lot of people from across the state, our supporters and friends,” Prichard told the Press.

Prichard recently filed paperwork for the committee after assembling a leadership team that includes Keisha Cunnings — a Charles City resident and volunteer for local nonprofits Proud Parents Association and Be the Bridge — and five other committee members with combined political experience as state representatives, senators and political campaign managers.

Committee member Brad Anderson was the Democratic nominee for Secretary of State in 2014 and served as the Iowa director for the Obama-Biden reelection campaign in 2012, Prichard said in a press release sent on Thursday.

Prichard announced the committee on social media Thursday afternoon. Filing paperwork with Secretary of State Paul Pate allows the committee to begin campaign fundraising and organizing, although Prichard has not yet made an official announcement joining the 2018 race for Iowa’s governor seat.

Organizing the committee is “more of an official test of the water,” Prichard told the Press.

In a separate press release, Prichard said, “I know Iowa can do better than what we have seen during this legislative session. The current administration appears to have given up on creating quality jobs and growing wages in communities like Charles City, and we need a new vision for Iowa. I am considering a run for governor because Iowa needs fresh leadership with the vision to drive meaningful economic growth across the entire state, and I look forward to offering some new ideas as well as a new approach to getting things done for all Iowans.”

Prichard first announced he was considering a governor campaign in early February. He has served as a House Representative since 2013 and won re-election for his seat this past November.

Prichard is scheduled to host a listening post at the North Iowa Community College starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. The event is open to the public. Comments from those unable to attend can be sent to Todd.Prichard@legis.iowa.gov.