Politics & Government
Cedar Rapids Democrat Tyler Olson to Run for Governor
Tyler Olson, a rising star in the Iowa Democratic Party, has an uphill battle ahead as he declares his candidacy for governor.
A new candidate is throwing his hat into the gubernatorial ring.
Tyler Olson, a Democrat hailing from Cedar Rapids, announced yesterday that he will be running for Governor, potentially challenging the heavy favorite, incumbent Republican Governor Terry Branstad.
But Democrats are hoping Olson, 37, will have the young blood to turn the youth vote against Branstad.
From the Des Moines Register:
Olson is popular with key Democratic activists, who believe he’s got what it takes to challenge the Republicans’ likely 2014 candidate, Gov. Terry Branstad, 66. Branstad is expected be a formidable opponent – he’s popular with the majority of Iowans ages 35 and under, as well as a majority of all age groups, an early June Iowa Poll shows. And Branstad has won all 12 races he’s fought in over the last four decades.
Olson backers predict voter behavior will change when Olson’s name is on the ballot.
“Voters are looking for someone fresh, who brings new ideas to the table and who sees things from a different point of view,” said Democratic operative Norm Sterzenbach.
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To get to Branstad, Olson will have to win the Democratic nomination. Currently this will allow Olson an opportunity to test the "youth versus experience" idea, as his primary opponent at the moment is longtime State Senator Jack Hatch, 63, a mainstay of the Iowa Democratic Party who represented central and south Des Moines.
Olson, a State Representative from Cedar Rapids, was also the chair of the Iowa Democratic Party before stepping down in preparation for the gubernatorial run.
Media Release on Olson's run.
Tyler Olson, a sixth generation Iowan and small business owner from Cedar Rapids, has officially announced his campaign for governor, promising to provide a fresh vision for Iowa’s future.
“Our state has tremendous opportunity ahead of it, but we need new leadership and a fresh perspective that understands the rapid pace of change in the world and economy to reach our full potential,” said Olson. “I think Iowans are ready to begin the next thirty years instead of living at end of the last thirty. I have the experience and energy to lead us into Iowa's next chapter.”
Announcing his candidacy, Olson discussed the need for a governor who is capable of leveraging Iowa’s unique economic diversity and pioneering spirit to spur economic growth, particularly among small businesses and startups. Olson said, “We need a leader that understands these dynamics. Understands the speed at which the world is changing. Leadership that understands where the world is headed, where the economy is headed, and can keep up with the rapid pace of change.”
Olson and his wife, Sarah, live in Cedar Rapids with their two young children, Leo and Willa. Olson is Vice President of Paulson Electric, a local business started by his great-grandfather. He is currently serving his fourth term in the Iowa House, where he led fights for early childhood education, access to healthcare and a new perspective on job creation that focuses less on subsidizing large companies and more on growing small business and startups.
More information about Olson’s campaign for governor is available online at www.TylerOlson.org.
Olson, a State Representative from Cedar Rapids, was also the chair of the Iowa Democratic Party before stepping down in preparation for the gubernatorial run.
Media Release on Olson's run.
Tyler Olson, a sixth generation Iowan and small business owner from Cedar Rapids, has officially announced his campaign for governor, promising to provide a fresh vision for Iowa’s future.
“Our state has tremendous opportunity ahead of it, but we need new leadership and a fresh perspective that understands the rapid pace of change in the world and economy to reach our full potential,” said Olson. “I think Iowans are ready to begin the next thirty years instead of living at end of the last thirty. I have the experience and energy to lead us into Iowa's next chapter.”
Announcing his candidacy, Olson discussed the need for a governor who is capable of leveraging Iowa’s unique economic diversity and pioneering spirit to spur economic growth, particularly among small businesses and startups. Olson said, “We need a leader that understands these dynamics. Understands the speed at which the world is changing. Leadership that understands where the world is headed, where the economy is headed, and can keep up with the rapid pace of change.”
Olson and his wife, Sarah, live in Cedar Rapids with their two young children, Leo and Willa. Olson is Vice President of Paulson Electric, a local business started by his great-grandfather. He is currently serving his fourth term in the Iowa House, where he led fights for early childhood education, access to healthcare and a new perspective on job creation that focuses less on subsidizing large companies and more on growing small business and startups.
More information about Olson’s campaign for governor is available online at www.TylerOlson.org.
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