Endorsements

LABOR

  • IOWA CITY FEDERATION OF LABOR, AFL-CIO
  • TEAMSTERS LOCAL 238
  • CARPENTERS LOCAL 1260
  • BUILDING TRADES LOCAL UA 125

COMMUNITY

“I am proud to endorse Shawn Harmsen for a second term on the Iowa CIty City Council. Shawn takes his responsibility of shaping policy that ensures a vibrant future for all of Iowa City’s citizens very seriously. He does his homework, and offers a thoughtful, long term perspective to the work of the council. He is pragmatic, while foregrounding his commitments to diversity and equity, and to policies that protect workers, immigrants, women, the LGBTQ+ community, and other vulnerable populations. Shawn is transparent. He freely shares his reasoning with his constituents. He is also approachable, and is a good team player. I have worked with Shawn for close to ten years and have seen his values in action. I hope you will join me in voting for Shawn Harmsen in November.” – Sharon Lake, East Side Iowa City Resident and long time Democratic Party Grassroots Activist

“Shawn Harmsen has my vote for City Council. He has represented us extremely well on the council and we need his voice as we face the challenges ahead of us. Shawn is always willing to listen to his constituents and I trust him.” – Mary Mascher, former Iowa House District 86 Representative.

“I’m endorsing Shawn because he is committed to addressing local issues that matter most to the livelihood of residents. he is honest, fair, and committed to transparency in government decision making. He is not afraid to take chances and supports efforts to advance the community in ways that help all thrive and live a more vibrant life.” – RaQuishia Harrington, Iowa City area activist and former North Liberty City Council Member.

“I want a Council that cares. I want a Council that gets things done. And I want a Council that works for everyone. That is why I support Shawn Harmsen in District B. I have known Shawn a long time, and I trust him to do what’s right. Please vote Shawn Harmsen for Council!” – Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan

“I trust Shawn to keep vigorously defending the core values of our vibrant, welcoming community while expanding on the many transit, housing, and good jobs initiatives the council has launched to extend economic opportunity to more Iowa Citians. And in the face of growing authoritarian threats, Shawn’s commitment to building a strong united front in support of nonviolent resistance, free speech, and due process for all are exactly what we need from local leaders.”  – Jen Sherer, long-time Iowa Labor leader and activist.

“When my husband died in 2002 and some people told me that a woman couldn’t run a roofing business, Shawn was there with support and belief. When a predatory investor bought the mobile home court where I live and my home was in jeopardy, Shawn was there for all of us with support and organizing. That’s just who he is.” – Candi Evans, former owner of Century Roofing Company, mobile home resident rights activist, Mom.

“Shawn Harmsen is a fighter. Shawn has fought to make our city lead on issues like fare-free public transit. He doesn’t just lobby our state and federal governments, he spends countless hours working to replace them with leaders who will do right by his constituents. I’m proud to endorse my friend Shawn for reelection to the Iowa City Council.” – Iowa House Representative Adam Zabner

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Shawn Harmsen, and I can honestly say he’s someone you can count on. He listens, takes time to understand the issues, and makes thoughtful decisions. When he was my campaign manager for County Supervisor, he made sure everything was done right.
That’s why I’m voting for Shawn, he’s dependable, fair, and truly cares about our community.” – Royceann Porter, former Johnson County Supervisor.

Other Endorsements

Jean Lloyd-Jones – Former Iowa State Senator and Iowa House member

Jen and Dawn BarbouRoske – Iowa City Residents, Activists, and Co-Plaintiffs in Varnum v. O’Brien

Reverend Dr. Mark Pries – Iowa City Pastor and Human Rights Activist

Royceann Porter – Entrepreneur, Iowa City Civil Rights Activist, former Johnson County Supervisor