It is abundantly clear that Iowa needs new political leaders; at all levels.

This week the Iowa Farmers Union released its endorsements for state races for the 2026 election. In its comments on their selection, IFU said “that family farmers and rural communities deserve leaders who will fight for them.” In the Marshall and Tama County area, IFU has endorsed Berleen Wobeter for Iowa House District 53. She is a true family farmer; she and her husband are stewards of their land and their animals. Berleen is active in the affairs of her community and her neighbors.

She will champion clean water, better access to rural health care, beginning farmer support and the right to repair. Unlike her opponent, she will have no other agenda but the betterment of the lives of the people of District 53. The stakes are high in 2026. Iowa’s economy is struggling. Tax giveaways to private schools and tax breaks for corporations are starving funds for protecting the environment and harming our air and polluting our water. In November, make 2026 a real change election. Up and down the ballot, vote for change. In District 53, vote for Berleen Wobeter for Iowa House.

Michael Farley, Des Moines