After filing, Wobeter stopped for a picture with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate.

Berleen Wobeter of rural Toledo has filed to run in the Democratic primary for Iowa House District 53, submitting her paperwork on Friday, March 6, at the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.

The filing window for Iowa’s 2026 primary elections will close March 13 at 5 p.m. Candidates who file during that period will appear on the June primary ballot for their respective parties.

As of now, Wobeter is the only Democrat to have filed for the seat, while incumbent Rep. Dean Fisher is the only Republican currently filed to run. Additional candidates could still enter the race before the filing deadline.

Wobeter previously ran for Tama County Supervisor in District 4 in 2024, where she narrowly lost a competitive race by 43 votes to Republican Mark Doland.

In a message explaining her decision to enter the statehouse race, Wobeter said the campaign grew out of conversations with others who felt a candidate should step forward.

“It was a growing chorus of concerned voices that was getting louder and they just needed that one person to step up and take the lead to get their name or choice on the ballot,” Wobeter said.

She noted that while several people had considered the possibility of running, many ultimately chose not to pursue it because of the demands of work and family.

“There were many good possibilities but work and family commitments during these challenging times prevented most from saying yes,” she said. “Now the chorus can organize and grow.”

Wobeter also shared to the News Chronicle that her entering the race is off the backs of her experience, advocacy work, and a willingness to turn experience into actions.