Jody Puffett to Run Against Ashley Hinson

DELHI, Iowa — Jody (Madlom) Puffett of Delhi has announced that she is running for U.S. House of Representatives for Iowa's 2nd District in the November general election as an Independent candidate. When asked about her motivations, Puffett responded, "Five months from now will likely be the most critical election in our nation's history. Candidly, our country is in a free-fall, and I don't believe we have hit rock bottom yet. The current political establishment is more polarized than ever before, and it has become the single most significant barrier to protecting this country, solving our problems, and setting up our children and grandchildren for success. Instead of waiting for the imminent crash, I feel compelled to act, to roll up my sleeves and accept the challenge of changing our nation's course before it's too late. If you have a dog in this fight like I do (in fact I have several—my children and grandchildren), then join me in demanding change. For the first time in my life, there is a real reason to fear the loss of the freedoms our founding fathers fought and died for. Instead of giving into that fear, it's time to find the courage to change." "In the last eight years, most of our elected leaders' time, energy, and frankly our tax dollars, has been wasted on finger pointing, blame shifting, and an endless barrage of one-upmanship. The right keeps moving farther right, the left keeps moving farther left, and neither camp reflects the values of the everyday Americans who are supposed to be represented. If you are like me, and tired of the status quo, then help me send a very clear message to Washington that it's time to knock it off and get back to work for the American people." In response to a question about what differentiates Puffett from other candidates, she said, "I am not in this to build a long-term political career and I will not have an allegiance to a political party. I had a great career already—I am in this to use my experience, knowledge and passion to effect change, and then get back to an America where I can enjoy my retirement and my family." Who Is Puffett? In 2020, she retired from Transamerica in Cedar Rapids following a 30-year career in various finance, risk, audit and transformation related roles. Since 2020, she has served in both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Risk Officer roles for two private equity backed start-up U.S. insurance companies. Puffett earned the 2018 Digital Insurance Women in Insurance Leadership Award and the 2017 Iowa Women's Foundation Ovation Award. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from UNI, a Master of Science in Taxation and has served on the boards of Boys and Girls Club of Cedar Rapids and Families Helping Families of Iowa. Puffett was born in Edgewood and raised in eastern Iowa. She and her husband Jeff, a six-year Navy veteran, have been married for 36 years. They reside in Delaware County. Except for Jeff's time serving in the Navy, they have lived in, and raised their family in, eastern Iowa. They have six children (three are a sibling group adopted from foster care) and six grandchildren. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.