(Radio Iowa) – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear says her Republican opponent’s legal push to revive a six week abortion ban shows Governor Reynolds is determined to stand against the will of the vast majority of Iowans. During an appearance in Sioux City just before Reynolds made her announcement, DeJear denounced last Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v Wade. “We know what happened just a few days ago,” DeJear said, “that decision that compromises the integrity of a woman’s right — I won’t even say: ‘Right to choose’ — right to be.”

campaign photo

DeJear says reproductive rights will be a centerpiece of her campaign. “To ensure that each and every person that lives in this state has that freedom to life, liberty and happiness,” DeJear said, “and we can do that.” In a written statement released last (Tuesday) night, said instead of focusing on abortion restrictions, it’s time for a governor who instead will address pressing issues like education, healthcare, housing and the workforce shortage.

(Reporting by Iowa Public Radio’s Kendall Crawford; additional reporting by Radio Iowa’s O. Kay Henderson)