Warren’s Voice sat down with Rep. Samantha Fett, the Republican running for re-election in Iowa House District 22. Learn what issues are important to her and what shaped her approach to public service.
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What motivated you to run for office?
I decided to run for my second term in the Iowa House because I’ve seen firsthand how state policy directly affects Iowans, families, schools, and local communities. Over the past few years in office, I’ve worked to protect parental rights as a leader with Moms for Liberty, defend children from harmful ideologies, and ensure Iowa law reflects the convictions many families hold dear: faith, family, and freedom. Those priorities are not abstract to me, they come from lived experience, community conversations, and the real concerns Iowans bring forward.
I am running for my second term to continue the work we started together. Warren County deserves strong leaders who show up, stay engaged, listen, and act with integrity. That commitment is what motivated me to run originally, and it’s what motivates me to continue serving.
What past experiences prepared you for this position?
My service on the Carlisle School Board prepared me in ways that directly translate to legislative work. In that role, I dealt with complex issues that impact families everyday curriculum decisions, budgeting, student safety, and the balance between local control and state requirements. It taught me how policy affects real people and how important it is to listen carefully before making decisions.
My background in marketing and communications strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, build consensus, and navigate difficult conversations. Those skills have been essential in the Iowa House, where collaboration and responsiveness matter.
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As I look toward my second term in the Iowa House, I bring the experience of a productive first term—serving as Vice Chair of Education and working on the Agriculture, Judiciary, and Government Oversight committees. I remain committed to delivering strong results for Iowa families. Over the past term, I had the opportunity to advance legislation that prioritizes education, protects children, and reduces unnecessary regulations. These efforts reflect a broader focus on strengthening families, supporting communities, and ensuring Iowa remains a place where people can work hard, raise their children, and build a future with confidence.
These experiences collectively prepared me to serve effectively—so I am ready to lead, defend, protect and advance for Iowans.
What core values shape your approach to public service?
Faith, family, and civic duty guide my approach to public service. These values shape how I evaluate policy, how I communicate with constituents, and how I make decisions at the Capitol. I believe in transparency, accountability, and ensuring that families and local communities have a meaningful role in decisions that affect their lives.
I also value constitutional principles and individual liberty. Those commitments guide my focus on protecting rights, preserving freedoms, and ensuring that government remains accountable to the people it serves.
In recent weeks, I have been talking with voters about how some may say we need leaders that serve all Iowans. That sounds noble, but let’s be honest: “serving all Iowans” is a political cliché that often masks vague intentions. Every representative makes choices — and those choices inevitably benefit some groups more than others. Claiming to serve “all Iowans” while opposing parental rights, rural education reform, or faith-based values isn’t neutral; it’s selective.
True representation isn’t about pretending all interests are equal — it’s about standing firm for the values that built Iowa: family, faith, freedom, and local control. That’s the backbone of our state.
What issues are most important to you?
I will continue to focus on issues that strengthen families and communities because those are the foundations of Iowa’s future. If we have strong families, then we have a strong workforce, strong schools, and strong communities that can weather challenges and build lasting opportunities.
Educational and parental rights will also remain central priorities, because they directly shape children’s wellbeing and a family’s ability to guide their upbringing. Iowa now has an opportunity that truly puts parents in the driver’s seat, allowing them to choose the learning environment that fits their child best. Every Iowa child excels on the learning path and in the learning place that’s right for them—grounded in truth, excellence, and high expectations. And with Iowa’s approach of funding students rather than systems, families have more flexibility to pursue the education that meets their child’s needs.
Rural and agricultural priorities are also essential. Our rural communities are the backbone of Iowa, and they need policies that support small businesses, protect local economies, and ensure access to the resources and opportunities that help families thrive. That includes the continued investment in water quality—making sure every Iowan has clean, reliable water and that our natural resources are protected for future generations. Strong rural communities, strong agriculture, and strong stewardship of our land all work together to secure Iowa’s long‑term strength.
Public safety and responsible budgeting are equally important. I believe in policies that keep communities safe and support law enforcement.
Iowans work hard, and more of their money should stay in their pockets. That’s why I continue to support fiscal responsibility and policies that keep taxes low. We’ve also brought property tax reform across the finish line, and taxpayers will begin seeing meaningful relief in 2027. These changes reflect a long‑term commitment to making Iowa more affordable for families, homeowners, and small businesses all while doing it with a balanced budget!
Freedom matters. It will always remain a core focus, because I believe Iowans should live free—without unnecessary government oversight, overreach, or regulation. Protecting individual liberty, personal responsibility, and the ability for families and communities to make their own decisions is essential to keeping Iowa strong.
Across all these issues, my focus is on ensuring that state policy reflects the needs and values of the people I represent, families, students, farmers, small business owners, and community members who want a strong and free Iowa. I will continue to show up for Iowans with the conviction to serve, stand for truth and uphold the Constitution.
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