T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Iowa Senate District 26 candidate Gannon Hendrick, a Republican from McCallsburg, held a meet and greet event at Consumers Energy near Marshalltown on Thursday evening. He is seeking to replace retiring Sen. Jeff Edler (R-State Center) and would serve all of Marshall County and most of Story County outside of Ames if elected.

An avid pro-agriculture, pro-life, pro-Second Amendment candidate for the Iowa Senate District 26 made his pitch to about 20 residents at Consumers Energy outside of Marshalltown on Thursday evening.

The event – promoted as a “meet and greet” for candidate Gannon Hendrick – a Republican candidate for Iowa Senate District 26 — was hosted by Marcia Fricke and Becky McKibben of Marshall County.

Hendrick, 39, of McCallsburg, is opposed by fellow Republican Kara Warme of Ames in the June 4 primary.

The winner will be up against the victor of the Democratic primary. Currently, Mike Wolfe of Maxwell is the only Democrat on the ballot.

The Republican and Democratic victors will oppose each other in the Nov. 5 general election. Senate District 26 consists of all of Marshall County and a portion of Story County.

“I can hit the ground running,” Hendrick said, in response to a question about a key difference between him and Warme. “I am chief-of-staff for Sen. Amy Sinclair (R-Allerton).”

Hendrick said he has 13 years of experience working for Iowa Senate Republicans. He worked his way up shepherding legislation through the state senate and working with state agencies.

Hendrick, a combat veteran who was awarded the Bronze Star, cattle producer and Lt. Col. In the United States Army Reserve, asked for the attendees’ vote and support to help follow-through on continuing Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds conservative agenda.

He cited recent legislative accomplishments championed by Republicans in lowering taxes, protecting farm-chemical manufacturers from lawsuits, and limiting foreign ownership of Iowa farmland.

“Agriculture is under attack,” he said. “Look at the lawsuits filed against Round-Up – a safe product. If lawsuits against American chemical manufacturers are successful, that may mean them discontinuing production,” he said. “That could result in American farmers having to purchase a similar product from the Chinese.”

One farmer in the audience said agriculture is dependent on chemical manufacturers to produce their products and remain competitive.

Sen. Jeff Edler (R-State Center) currently represents District 26. He is in the final year of his second four-year term. He announced his retirement from the state senate earlier this year.

Hendrick praised Edler for his work in the state senate during remarks and while taking questions.

Hendrick said he has been endorsed by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, and by state treasurer Roby Smith, a Republican. Hendrick also cited endorsements from numerous Republicans in the state senate.

“I am endorsing Hendrick,” said Reed Riskedahl of Marshalltown, a Republican and a member of the Marshall County Republican Central Committee. “Warme is a fine candidate. However, Hendrick has the experience and leadership skills to successfully propose and advance legislation.”

McKibben said she was pleased with the turnout, which featured several area farmers and veterans posing numerous questions.

Also in attendance was Marty Chitty, a Republican also running in the June 4 primary for the right to represent the party in House District 51. He is opposed by fellow Republican Brett Barker of Nevada, who did not attend.

Hendrick previously served as a member of the Colo-NESCO school board from 2007 to 2011 and unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the Story County Board of Supervisors in 2006.

“I believe most Iowans are satisfied with the direction of the state,” Hendrick said. “I want to continue that effort.” For more information, contact 515-290-6459 or hendrickforiowa@gmail.com.