Election season is near.
Recently passed Senate File 75 required Johnson County to adopt a supervisor district system for its elections. Only candidates who live in a specific district can run for the seat, and only residents within the district can vote.
The full impact of the law will be felt in the 2026 election, with all five supervisor districts up for grabs. Initially, only Jon Green, District 2 and V Fixmer-Oraiz were slated for election this year. Now, 10 democrat candidates are on the primary ballot across five districts, including incumbents Lisa Green-Douglass, Rod Sullivan, and Mandi Remington.
With the Tuesday, June 2, primary election quickly approaching, the Iowa City Press-Citizen asked candidates for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors about their priorities, qualifications, and vision for the county’s future.
The Press-Citizen sent questions to all area candidates. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Here is what you need to know about the District 2 Johnson County Board of Supervisors candidates:
Jessica Andino
Age: 34
Hometown: Solon
Current residence: I have lived on the east side of Iowa City since 2013
Occupation: Executive director, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition
Education: Master of Public Health (MPH), University of Iowa; Current PhD Candidate in Community & Behavioral Health at the College of Public Health, University of Iowa
Political experience: While I have not held elected office, I have extensive experience in local and state policy, advocacy, and coalition-building through my work in housing, public health, and community development. I regularly collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and residents to advance practical policy solutions
Janet Godwin
Age: 60
Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma
Current residence: I’ve lived in Johnson County for 39 years, and I’ve lived in Scott Township for the last 15 years
Occupation: Retired CEO of ACT
Education: BA English, University of Oklahoma; MA English, University of Iowa
Political experience: I served on the Iowa City Community School District Board, 2017-2021
Jon Green
Age: 43
Hometown: Lone Tree
Current residence: Rural Lone Tree
Occupation: County Supervisor At-Large, Johnson County
Education: BA, Journalism, Morningside College, 2007
Political experience: County Supervisor At-Large, Johnson County, 2021-present; Mayor, City of Lone Tree, 2018-2019; State Central Committee member, Iowa Democratic Party, 2017-2018; Press secretary to the Governor, State of Wyoming, 2009-2010.
Why are you running for a seat on the Johnson County Board of Supervisors?
Andino: I’m running because Johnson County needs practical, people-centered leadership rooted in lived experience and long-term community commitment. As a lifelong Johnson County resident, I’ve dedicated my career to housing, public health, and community development, and I understand how county decisions affect daily life. I’m running to ensure county government is transparent, solutions-focused, and responsive to both urban and rural communities. I want to help build a county where people can afford to live, access essential services, and thrive.
Godwin: I’m running because I believe we need experienced, practical, common-sense leadership on the board that is focused on delivering results for our residents. Johnson County is not one-size-fits-all — what works in downtown Iowa City doesn’t always work in the rest of the county. We need leadership that listens and responds to those differences. I also believe the county needs more emphasis on execution and accountability. I have experience leading complex organizations, managing large budgets, and making tough decisions. I believe we need those skills on the board of supervisors.
Green: I’m running to continue providing steady leadership during a tumultuous time for Johnson County. Beyond the slew of terrible bills the Legislature passed in recent years, Republicans in Des Moines have an explicit interest in our county’s affairs, blocking policy initiatives and going so far as to mandate a different system for the electing here. Johnson County needs leaders who understand the legislative process and its politics, and who can find a way forward in the face of those challenges. I have done so and will continue.
What is the most pressing issue Johnson County is facing, and how will you address it?
Andino: Housing affordability and availability are one of Johnson County’s most pressing challenges because it impacts economic stability, workforce retention, public health, and quality of life across generations. From young adults trying to stay in the community they grew up in, to working families, to aging seniors seeking stability, people need housing options that meet them at every stage of life. Housing is where jobs go to sleep at night. If elected, I will prioritize expanding and preserving housing across the spectrum (permanent supportive housing, rental, homeownership, workforce, and senior housing) while supporting infrastructure and partnerships that create sustainable opportunities countywide.
Godwin: I think the most pressing issue is main street economic development. I will address that need by supporting growth that strengthens our tax base, expands job opportunities, and aligns with the needs of communities throughout the county. County government plays a critical role in creating the right conditions for economic growth. That includes investing in core infrastructure such as secondary roads, supporting workforce development, addressing housing availability, supporting a network of social services, and maintaining a regulatory environment that is streamlined, fair, and predictable.
Green: Maintaining a highly competent, effective local government, through sound fiscal policy, budget decisions that reflect our values, professionalism, and ensuring our people – both county employees and the constituents we serve – get the respect and dignity they’re due. Every other goal of mine, or that of any other serious candidate, flows from this. Behind the scenes, I’ve been leading efforts to modernize county systems, update and strengthen policies, and save taxpayers’ money. These improvements require not just the willpower to see them through, but also knowledge of the law and how County government works. I demonstrated that I have those qualities.
What are two or three other issues that you hope to address if elected?
Andino: I want to prioritize good governance by ensuring that county government is accessible, transparent, and responsive to all residents across Johnson County, including urban, rural, and small-town communities. That means listening to people with a wide range of perspectives, clearly communicating decisions, and maintaining accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent throughout the county. Residents deserve thoughtful, data-informed leadership that explains not just what decisions are made, but why. I also believe strong governance includes responsible infrastructure planning, protecting essential services, and ensuring public resources are used efficiently, equitably, and in ways that build long-term trust.
Godwin: If elected, I will focus on ensuring the needs of District 2 are fully represented in county decision-making. Our communities have distinct priorities, and it’s important that those voices are heard and reflected at the board table. I will also prioritize strengthening board governance and accountability under the new district structure by exploring a county manager role. Done well, a county manager role would create clearer lines of responsibility — the manager is accountable for operations, and the board is accountable to the public for results.
Green: I’ve been leading the effort to secure Johnson County for the future. I reduced the cost of renovating the Administration and HHS buildings from $33 million to $9.2 million, secured funding to stabilize the current jail, and am running point to get a new facility on the ballot this November. I’ve ensured Johnson County provides the services residents demand. All of this with a smaller budget than in the current fiscal year, because of operational efficiencies and the completion of capital projects that leave us well-positioned for the next two decades.
A bond referendum for a new sheriff’s office and jail may be on the November ballot. The project is anticipated to cost $90 to $100 million. Do you support building the new facility and why?
Andino: I support a 120-unit public safety and justice services facility that meets current safety and capacity needs while allowing for future expansion. This should be presented as a single, stand-alone ballot measure so voters can clearly evaluate it on its own merits. With Johnson County’s growing population, planning for peak capacity reduces costly out-of-area transports that increase liability and remove individuals from local services, family connections, and the Johnson County court system. The facility must safely serve diverse populations and include a long-term maintenance plan to avoid repeating past infrastructure failures. This investment must be paired with strong prevention and diversion programs that address root causes, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and improve outcomes through additional funding mechanisms, including proceeds from the sale of the current jail site.
Godwin: Yes, I support a bond referendum to finance a new sheriff’s office and jail. The current facility is outdated, unsafe, and no longer meets the county’s needs. Continuing to invest in short-term fixes and out-of-county housing is not fiscally responsible. I am, however, concerned that our current board is not moving with the urgency required to successfully pass a bond. We should already have clear bond language, a defined project scope and cost, and transparent information about what it means for taxpayers. The board should be actively engaging residents to explain the “why” and the tangible impact on public safety and county finances. If the bond does not pass in November, costs will only increase, and the underlying problems will remain.
Green: Yes. I was re-elected chairperson of the Board of Supervisors for the work I’ve been doing to prepare and vet the jail proposal that will be on the November ballot. I’ve spent a great deal of effort in surveying potential sites, negotiating with property owners, and doing the due diligence necessary to bring forward a winning plan. I was also re-elected because my colleagues know I can get us through tough decisions effectively. We can tackle big issues like the jail because I’m able to do the quiet work that ensures our meetings yield collaborative results. I’m not a swing vote; I know where I stand. But I know building consensus usually leads to better outcomes than the raw exercise of power.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Meet 3 Democrats vying for Johnson County District 2 supervisor seat
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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