Raised with Iowa Values

Randy grew up on his family’s Century Farm in Jackson County as the oldest of five children. From an early age, everyone pitched in—milking cows, raising beef cattle, hogs, and chickens, and growing corn, hay, and oats. That upbringing instilled a strong work ethic and a lifelong connection to the rural landscape.

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After high school, Randy began a career of public service by joining the U.S. Army. He served for three years in military police units in Germany, where discipline, responsibility, and integrity became central to how he approached service. When his military service concluded, Randy continued serving his community by joining the Clinton Police Department.

 

Over a 33-year career with the department, Randy rose to detective commander, retiring in 2011. He organized his work around four core principles: listening carefully, gathering and evaluating evidence, collaborating with other agencies, and always acting with integrity. That approach led to national recognition, including two awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for leadership in complex crack cocaine conspiracy investigations and prosecutions.

 

While building his career in law enforcement, Randy also attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, balancing work with starting a family with his wife, Chris. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1984.

 

Retirement did not end Randy’s commitment to service. He went on to work with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office as a civilian, serving as director of Seniors vs. Crime. In that role, he educated the community about fraud and scams and provided direct assistance to victims. His work earned awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Excellence in Victim Service, the Iowa Attorney General’s Hero Award, and the Clinton Human Rights Commission. That work continues today.

 

Public service is the through line of Randy’s life—service to country, service to community, and service grounded in fairness, justice, and the common good. His family shares that commitment. His wife Chris retired as a disability services case manager for Clinton County. His daughter Ellen is a pediatric nurse practitioner, and his daughter Katie is a third-grade teacher.

 

Outside of work, Randy enjoys year-round outdoor activities including biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. He volunteers two weeks each year in primitive wilderness areas across the country to improve trails and bridges and expand access to public lands. He has served as treasurer of the Riverbend Bicycle Club for more than twenty years and is a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

 

Serving in the Iowa House

Randy will bring a lifetime of service, a collaborative approach, and a proven record of integrity to the Iowa House. He believes representation starts with seeing people—not consumers, taxpayers, or data points.

 

Today, wages stagnate while the tax burden shifts from those with the most to those with the least. The state faces billion-dollar budget deficits. Education is underfunded and educators disrespected. Water quality continues to decline while cancer rates rise.

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It’s time for a change in focus. Enough politics. Time for public service.