(Area Counties) – There are very few contested* local races heading into Tuesday’s June 4th Primary Election. Candidates must receive 35% of the total votes cast in that race to be nominated in the primary election. Election results will be posted on the KJAN News page, when they become available. Unless otherwise mentioned, there are no Democratic or Libertarian candidate races in the following counties…

In Adair County, Republican candidate Michael Christophersen in unopposed in the District 5 Supervisor’s contest, and fellow Republican Jerry Walker is unchallenged for his District 3 seat. Republicans Jeff Vandewater, Mandy Berg and Kelly Mitchell are unopposed in their respective bids for Sheriff, Auditor and Recorder. Democrat Matt Wedemeyer is also unopposed in the District 1 Supervisor’s race.

In Adams County, there are no challenges on the ballot for Auditor, where Republican Becky Bissell is running, and Republican Sheriff Alan Johannes is unchallenged. Tony Hardisty is the only name on the Republican ballot for Supervisor in District 2 in Adams County, while Christopher Standley, another Republican, is the lone candidate in District 5.

In Audubon County, Republicans Donald Mosinski and Kent Grabill are running two seats on the Board of Supervisors. Nathan Wahlert’s name will appear on the Democratic ballot.

In Cass County*, incumbent Bernard Pettinger faces a challenge from fellow Republican J. Ford Lillard, in the 5th District Board of Supervisor’s race. Voters using the Democratic ballot will find Phyllis Stakey’s name listed for the Board of Supervisors in District 5. Republicans Stephen S. Green (I), Kathy Somers (I), and John Westring, are unopposed in their respective bids for District 1 Supervisor, Auditor and Sheriff.

In Guthrie County, Democrat Sheriff Marty Arganbright (I) is unopposed in his party during the Primary Election. He’s expected to face-off in November against the lone Republican candidate on Tuesday’s ballot, Matt Harmann. Republicans Mike Dickson (I), and Danielle (Dani) Fink (I), are unchallenged in their bids for re-election. Brian E. Johnson (I) is also unopposed for his District 2 Supervisor’s seat.

In Montgomery County*, where Republican’s Jill Cooper and Alex Burton are on the ballot for the Board of Supervisors in District 5, Cooper has withdrawn her name from consideration due to health concerns, and has thrown her support behind Burton. Donna Robinson chose to not run for re-election. Republican Sheriff Jon Spunaugle and Republican Auditor Jill Ozuna are unchallenged in Tuesday’s election, but incumbent Republican District 3 Supervisor Randy Cooper is being challenged by fellow Republican Bryant Amos.

In Pottawattamie County*, five Republicans are squaring-off for two County Board of Supervisor positions, and hope to move on to the November election. The candidates include Tim Wichman (I), Karis Crilly, Adam Houser, Charlie Johnson and Brian Shea (I). And, Republican Incumbent Melvyn J. Houser faces a challenge from fellow Republican Mary Ann Hanusa, in the Auditor’s race.

In Shelby County*, three Republicans are in the running for two seats on the Board of Supervisors: Alexis Carter, Mike Kolbe and Charles Parkhurst. Two Republicans have are running for County Auditor in Shelby County: Melissa Arkfeld and Taryn Knapp.

(I) = Incumbent

(Radio Iowa) – U-S Senator Joni Ernst’s annual “Roast and Ride” fundraiser has given Iowa Republicans a chance to restate their criticism of last week’s conviction of former President Trump. Ernst said the trial has solidified support for Trump. “Stop the political persecution of Donald J. Trump,” Ernst said. Ernst, who intends to seek reelection in 2026, has said she’s open to serving in Trump’s Administration if he wins in November. Iowa G-O-P chairman Jeff Kaufmann kicked off Saturday’s fundraiser with a question.

“How many people in this room, right now, stand with Donald J. Trump?” Kaufmann asked. Every Republican office holder who followed Kaufmann on stage made their stance clear. Governor Kim Reynolds cited the donations the Trump campaign says were made after the verdict. “And $53 million in 24 hours is a pretty good indication of where the people in this country are standing,” Reynolds said. Senator Chuck Grassley called all the cases against Trump a distraction.

“This political lynching of Donald Trump,” Grassley said, “…they think they could prosecute Biden into the next White House, but I think they’re going to prosecute Trump into the White House.” Texas Congressman Wesley Hunt, the event’s keynote speaker, has campaigned for Trump often. Hunt suggested the verdict has awakened a sleeping giant. “For those of you that are fearful of a revenge tour that’s exactly what we need,” Hunt said, “and on day one we need a man to step into office — on day one — to turn this whole thing around.”

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and Governor Kim Reynolds at Ernst’s 2024 “Roast and Ride” fundraiser.

Two of the four Republicans who represent Iowa in the U-S House also spoke at Ernst’s fundraiser. Second district Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion told the crowd Trump’s conviction will backfire on Democrats. “I think angry voters are motivated voters. Are you angry? Are you motivated? I think so,” Hinson said, to cheers. Third district
Congressman Zach Nunn of Bondurant told the crowd Republicans need to win a majority of seats in the U-S House in November, or Democrats will impeach Trump again.

“Do you want a country where you can be proud not only to salute the flag, but to know that you’ve got a president and a government that have your back, not come after your back?” Nunn asked.

About 700 people attended Saturday’s fundraiser for Ernst’s campaign. Ticket sales from the motorcycle ride beforehand were donated to the Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation.