Incumbent state Rep. Megan Srinivas is the only candidate on the primary ballot for her Des Moines-based Iowa House seat.
Srinivas is seeking a third term representing Iowa House District 30, which includes Des Moines’ south side. No Republican has filed to run in the district.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Iowa’s primary election is June 2.
Who is incumbent Megan Srinivas?
What would be your top issue if elected?
Srinivas (D): As a physician, I see too many of my patients struggling with making ends meet. Many are working 2-3 jobs and still worrying about how they are going to afford their medications, pay their rent/mortgage or feed their families. And for those who can afford health care, many essential service aren’t even available in our state. Iowa is ranked dead last in per capita mental health resources in the nation. Additionally, we are the only state with an increasing cancer rate. I ran to help Iowans get access to the care they need and that remains my top priority.
What policies would you support to improve Iowa’s education system?
Srinivas: Iowa’s Republican lawmakers created contradictory education policies by taking away local control & imposing state level curriculum control while vilifying our teachers & school staff through their rhetoric. Moreover, they continued to underfund our schools and undermined our Area Education Agencies (AEAs), which provide several essential services including special education, mental health and professional development resources. I support increasing funding for our public schools so we can catch up on the last 15 years of underfunding, re-bolstering our AEA programs, restoring local control.
Do you support Iowa’s recent tax policy changes, including lowering income taxes, and what additional tax law changes would you support?
Srinivas: We are seeing the Republicans trying to create new taxes on things like health care and gas to supplement lost income from the corporate tax cuts and giving private school voucher money to wealthy Iowans by removing income caps. I want to prioritize cutting property taxes for every day Iowans over cutting taxes for the top 1% and wealthy corporations.
What actions would you support to address Iowa’s high cancer rates?
Srinivas: As a physician on the front lines, I see the impact of Iowa’s high cancer rates firsthand. I created and led cancer listening posts statewide to partner with Iowans and hear about environmental risks and gaps in care. I co-authored the biomarker bill and worked on the breast cancer diagnostic bill to expand access. I’m pushing for $3 million in pediatric cancer research funding, along with stronger water protections, reduced runoff, expanded screening and better transparency.
When do you believe it is appropriate to use eminent domain, and should it be used to build carbon capture pipelines?
Srinivas: Eminent domain should be reserved for true public use, like roads and essential infrastructure. Individual property rights of Iowans should always outweigh private company profits. I do not believe it should be used for carbon capture pipelines. These projects primarily serve private interests, and landowners should never be compelled to give up property for corporate gain. Voluntary agreements, not government force, should be the standard.
How would you remedy Iowa’s budget deficits driven by lost revenue? Are there certain services you would prioritize for cuts?
Srinivas: We should focus on return on investment and ensure state dollars are driving long-term savings and stronger outcomes, especially through prevention — like preventive health care that reduces costly chronic disease and hospitalizations. We also need to prioritize everyday Iowans over corporate tax breaks that don’t pay off and policies like school vouchers without income caps that divert hundreds of millions to wealthy households. I would prioritize fully funding public schools over expanding voucher programs, and protecting core services like health care, education and public safety while eliminating inefficient spending.
Find more about the midterm primary candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet Megan Srinivas, seeking reelection in Iowa House District 30
Reporting by Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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