'Ridiculous Optimism': Twedt-Ball Shares Congressional Vision in Decorah

The fire, the vote, the triumph — when it happens, Decorah News shows up. Support us being there. DECORAH — Democratic congressional candidate Clint Twedt-Ball visited Decorah on Wednesday, March 4, speaking with residents at Pulpit Rock Brewing Company about his campaign priorities. Decorah City Council member Johanna Bergan introduced Twedt-Ball, describing him as an attentive, grounded candidate. "Clint is running on what he calls 'ridiculous optimism,'" Bergan said. "He is someone I want to talk to. He listens effectively and represents interests that I care about." Twedt-Ball said his outlook on public service is rooted in his Iowa upbringing. Raised by a small-town pastor and a stay-at-home mother, he said his family often worked to improve the communities where they lived, from building parks to helping repair homes for families in need. "I grew up believing anything was possible, with a ridiculously optimistic view of the world," Twedt-Ball said. "I choose to put on those rose-colored glasses and believe the world can be better. When things don't go the way I expect, I get back up, keep going and work over and over until we get where we're trying to go." After graduating from the University of Iowa, he spent three years in seminary before returning to Iowa to serve as a pastor. Twedt-Ball and his brother later founded the Cedar Rapids-based nonprofit Matthew 25 in 2006. The organization initially focused on after-school programs, tutoring, and providing free summer lunches in economically marginalized neighborhoods. Following the Iowa Flood of 2008, Twedt-Ball helped organize thousands of volunteers and contractors to assist families rebuilding their homes. Through the nonprofit's "Block by Block" initiative, the organization raised more than $6 million and supported more than 250 residents while helping rebuild 24 city blocks. He said similar efforts followed the 2020 Midwest derecho, when Matthew 25 partnered with other organizations to rehabilitate nearly 300 homes. The nonprofit has since expanded beyond disaster recovery to include workforce housing development and neighborhood investment projects such as a grocery store and cafe. What began with two employees has grown to more than 40 staff members and a multimillion-dollar annual operating budget. Twedt-Ball said his decision to run for Congress comes from a belief that communities need representatives willing to listen and work alongside residents. "These are really dark, hard times for our country," he said. "We are frustrated. We are feeling lost. What I want is not a government that looks at all the problems and starts dividing us. I want a government that believes in people and knows when to step out of the way." During the question-and-answer portion of the event, attendees asked about topics ranging from agriculture and health care to religion in politics. When asked what connects communities across the region, Twedt-Ball said he frequently sees residents motivated by optimism and local pride. "I see optimistic people who want to change things," he said. "The key is finding the unique aspects of a place that are going well and building upon them." When asked for his reaction to news that the United States has entered a "holy war" with Iran, Twedt-Ball said, "It's disgusting." "The faith I know is about finding commonality, building each other up and thinking about what a more prosperous future looks like," he added. "There is a reason for separation of church and state," he said. "It's super dangerous when we get to a place where we're aligning them so much that they are not independent." On health care, Twedt-Ball said the U.S. system prioritizes profit over patient care. "For me, health care should be universally accessible, affordable and equitable," he said. Asked about ethanol and agriculture policy, he said ethanol will likely remain part of the energy mix during a transition toward other fuels but suggested the long-term focus should include diversifying farms. He also emphasized protecting Iowa's natural resources and supporting smaller agricultural operations. "We should be passing a new, updated farm bill that supports small family farms and protects us from outside companies willing to exploit our resources for profit outside of Iowa," he said. When asked how he approaches voters frustrated with the current administration but hesitant to reconsider their vote, Twedt-Ball said he sees himself as someone who fits the kind of candidate many Republicans have long said they want. "I'm the poster child for what Republicans have said they've wanted for a while. I run a nonprofit, and I'm a person of faith. My campaign has already seen people from all viewpoints who want to send a message that the current administration has gone too far," he said. He added that while he disagrees with Republicans on some religious issues, he hopes voters see the campaign as an opportunity to find common ground. When asked what voters can do to help combat feelings of helplessness, Twedt-Ball urged people not to disengage. "People have told me that if I go to Washington, I'd end up like everyone else, or that I'm just one voice and nothing will change," he said. "But any one of us can make change happen. We can't be apathetic." Twedt-Ball encouraged attendees to stay engaged in the political process. "It's really important to just commit," he said. "Do your research, get engaged and reach out." Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.