December 2, 2025
Iowa Farmers Union to Host Federal Candidate Forum
Ames, Iowa — The Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) will host a federal candidate forum on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 3:00–7:00 PM at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames, Iowa. The event will bring together IFU members, rural community leaders, and candidates for Congress to discuss priorities for Iowa’s family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.
“As a bipartisan organization, Iowa Farmers Union has invited leading candidates from both parties in all five federal races,” said Aaron Lehman, President of Iowa Farmers Union. “Our members want to hear directly from Iowans seeking to represent our interests in Congress. Family farmers and rural communities deserve leaders who will listen, learn, and work across the aisle to deliver real results.”
IFU invited leading candidates from both parties in all five federal races on the 2026 ballot: U.S. Senate and all four Iowa U.S. House districts. The forum is designed to be issue-focused and member-driven, with candidates responding to the shared question below and engaging directly with IFU members.
“We’re grateful to every candidate who made time to be here and to connect with our members,” said Berleen Wobeter, Tama County farmer and IFU Board Member. “This forum is a chance for candidates to speak directly to farmers, rural families, and those who support the values of the Iowa Farmers Union.
IFU thanks the candidates who have committed to speak directly with members at this forum. We believe in and are committed to the value of face-to-face dialogue in rural Iowa.
Al Womble, State Political Director of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO will address the IFU membership. He will speak about the importance of the shared values of labor union members and farmers as Iowans prepare to vote in next year’s elections.
At the forum, President Aaron Lehman will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Petersen, Clear Lake farmer and past president of the Iowa Farmers Union.
The candidate forum is a member only event. Anyone who shares the mission of IFU and is interested in hearing candidates address the IFU membership can become a member when registering online or by signing up at the door.
The forum is part of the 110th Annual Iowa Farmers Union State Convention in Ames on December 5th and 6th. The full schedule of events can be found at https://iowafarmersunion.org/110th-annual-ifu-convention/
All convention events including the Federal Candidates Forum are open to the press.
Confirmed candidates
Ashley WolfTornabane (IA-04)
Kathy Dolter (IA-02)
Josh Turek (US Senate)
Clint Twedt-Ball (IA-02)
Taylor Wettach (IA-01)
Stephanie Steiner (IA-04)
Sarah Trone-Garriott (IA-03)
Christina Bohannan (IA-01)
Jennifer Konfrst (IA-03)
Nathan Sage (US Senate)
Lindsay James (IA-02)
Shared question for all candidates
All candidates will be asked to respond to the same framing question to guide their remarks and discussion with IFU members:
“How do the values of Iowa farmers, ranchers, and rural community members shape your vision for the future of Iowa?”
Event details
What: Iowa Farmers Union Federal Candidate Forum
When: Friday, December 5, 2025, 3:00–7:00 PM
Where: Quality Inn and Suites, Ames, Iowa
Who: IFU members, the press, and participating federal candidates
Cost/RSVP: [Registration required, only open to IFU members,]
For more information, contact IFU at [email protected] or www.iowafarmersunion.org.
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