A Midwest Millennial Mama’s Take

Hey Iowans,

​It’s no secret that things are heating up in Iowa politics, and right here in Ankeny, the 2026 elections are already taking shape. While the big headlines might be about the Governor’s race (and you know I’ve been busy supporting Zach Lahn!), the people representing us right here in Des Moines, our State Representatives and State Senators, make decisions that directly impact our families, our schools, and our health every single day.​

As a former educator and a two-time cancer survivor, I’m not just watching from the sidelines. I’m living the “drama” of Iowa’s systems, and I know many of you are too.

That’s why I’ve reached out directly to both our incumbent State Representative, Ryan Weldon, and his challenger, Molly Buck, with some urgent questions.​

Here are the 4 burning questions every Ankeny candidate needs to answer for our families:​

1. Iowa’s Cancer Crisis: Beyond Just “Awareness,” What’s the Plan?​

This one hits incredibly close to home for me. Iowa currently has the second-highest cancer rate in the entire nation, and it’s growing fast. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s our neighbors, our friends, and our children. It’s me.​

My question to our candidates: How specifically do you plan to battle this cancer crisis beyond just “awareness” campaigns? Will you support efforts like a nicotine tax to fund crucial state-level cancer research, or are there other concrete steps you’ll take to protect Iowans?​

We need more than just thoughts and prayers; we need action that addresses the root causes and provides real solutions for prevention and treatment.​

2. Education & ESAs: Protecting Our Packed Ankeny Schools

​As a former educator, I understand the incredible dedication of our teachers and the vital role our public schools play. Yet, Ankeny’s schools are already bursting at the seams, classrooms are packed, and our teachers are working miracles with limited resources.

​My question to our candidates: How do you feel about the long-term impact of ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) accounts on the budget for Ankeny’s public elementary schools? What is your plan to ensure our public schools receive the necessary funding to thrive, rather than just survive, when they are already so crowded?​

Our children deserve top-notch public education, and we need to ensure every student has access to the resources they need.

3. Ankeny’s Overgrowth: Is “Growth for Growth’s Sake” Ruining Our City?​

Drive around Ankeny for five minutes, and you’ll see construction. The amount of new apartments and high-density housing being constructed is staggering. While growth can be good, it feels like our city’s infrastructure and quality of life are struggling to keep up. Our elementary schools are already packed, our roads are getting more congested, and green spaces are disappearing.​

My question to our candidates: What is your plan to address the seemingly unsustainable high-density development in Ankeny? What steps will you take to ensure our city’s infrastructure, public services, and particularly our schools, can actually handle this rapid growth without sacrificing the quality of life we moved here for?

​We need smart growth that prioritizes community well-being over simply adding more units.

​4. Iowa’s Water Quality: Making Our Kids’ Drinking Water Safe​

Iowa’s natural beauty is undeniable, but so are the headlines about our water quality. With our waterways facing alarming levels of nitrates and other pollutants, it’s a constant concern for parents like me. When legislators cut funding for water quality sensors, it sends a chilling message.

​My question to our candidates: What concrete steps will you take to ensure the water our children drink is safe, and the waterways we enjoy are clean? Will you commit to restoring funding for critical monitoring, and will you champion policies that truly protect our natural resources?

​Clean water isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental right.​

What’s Next?

​I’ve sent these questions directly to Representative Weldon and Molly Buck, and I’ll be sharing their responses (or lack thereof) right here.

As Mamas, our voices are powerful. Let’s demand accountability, real answers, and real action from those who wish to represent us. 👊🏻​

The “Empty Chair” at the Statehouse​

Speaking of accountability, I also sent a direct email to our current Senator, Mike Bousselot. As you may know, he’s recently announced he’s “jumping ship” from our District 21 to run for a safer seat in District 23. To be honest, it feels like a classic case of political musical chairs, and it leaves Ankeny families wondering who is actually looking out for us versus who is just looking for their next term. I also asked why he chose to ignore my invitation to Zach Lahn’s Town Hall, because if you want to represent Iowans, you have to show up for them. I’m currently waiting for a response to see how he justifies leaving his current constituents behind, and you can bet I’ll be sharing that answer with all of you the second it hits my inbox!

Stay tuned for updates, and let me know in the comments: What questions do you have for our local candidates? 🤔

​Here’s a picture of Mike and I when I spotted him during a night out with my Dubuque #MNO crew here in Ankeny.

Of course I was the only one spotting Senators. 👀 Always advocating!