Independent Candidate Dave Bushaw Holds Campaign Kickoff in West Union

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. WEST UNION, Iowa — More than 100 people gathered at the Fayette County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 22, as Dave Bushaw, an organizer and folk musician from West Union, launched his independent campaign for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District. Three speakers, a Democrat, an independent voter and a conservative, introduced Bushaw and described their experiences working with him in the community. Kim Holmes, a retired preschool teacher from West Union, spoke about her frustration with national party politics and said Bushaw has been someone who "listens" and "respects people no matter their background or beliefs." Waucoma City Council member Karl Kramer said he supports Bushaw because he believes the campaign focuses on local concerns rather than party affiliation. "We want safety, stability and a full fridge to come home to at the end of the day," Kramer said. Military veteran David Hansel, who has known Bushaw for years, said the two often disagreed politically but maintained mutual respect. "Dave is the only would-be politician I've ever trusted because there is no hidden agenda," Hansel said. Bushaw formally announced his candidacy at the event, telling attendees, "Today, I'm declaring my candidacy for the United States Congress." He said his decision to run stems from what he views as a lack of working-class representation in Washington. "In America's 249-year history, the working class has never held more than two percent of the seats in any Congress," Bushaw said. Bushaw pointed to rising housing and health care costs as major issues in the district. He cited increases in the average home price in Iowa since the early 2000s and criticized the role of large investment firms in the housing market, saying, "They buy our neighborhoods and farmland and jack up prices." On health care, he called for expanding access and exploring pathways to a universal system. "We spend more per person on health care than any country in the world and rank lower than many in quality," he said. "Health care is a human right, not a privilege for the wealthy." A longtime union member, Bushaw also reiterated his opposition to Iowa's right-to-work laws and said he supports creating a national ballot initiative process that would allow voters to weigh in directly on major policy questions. "If your representative doesn't trust you with that power," he said, "they don't believe in us." Bushaw told attendees he intends to offer voters an independent option in the 2026 general election. "It is time to send one of us to Congress who will take on the Washington elite," he said. The Bushaw campaign plans to hold events across the 22 counties in Iowa's 2nd District in the coming year. More information is available on his campaign website. Join the community of savvy subscribers (for free)! Get the latest updates, tips, and insider information by subscribing to the free newsletter today.