A pair of candidates will go head-to-head in the June primary for the Boone County Board of Supervisors.
The 2026 primary election on June 2 will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates for county supervisor in the Nov. 3 election.
Shawn Bryant, current vice chairman of the board, is being challenged by Wayne Lynch for the Republican nomination. June’s winner will be placed on the Nov. 3 ballot.
No democratic candidates filed in Boone County.
The Ames Tribune asked each candidate to respond to questions about why they’re running and the biggest issues facing Boone County. Their answers may be edited for length or clarity.
Shawn Bryant
Age: 52
Party: Republican
Where did you grow up? Fort Madison, Arizona and Texas.
Where do you currently live? In the country south of Ogden.
Where did you receive your education? I joined the military right after high school in Texas. I spent four years active duty, then came back to Iowa and started farming, working with the family. Then I got a job at the Iowa state penitentiary, decided to go back full-time with the Iowa National Guard. While I was there, I took classes with the University of Phoenix.
What is your occupation? County supervisor. I’m retired from the military after 30 years. I did two tours, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq, and I received the Bronze Star in Afghanistan.
What political/volunteering experience do you have? The military is very political, believe it or not, once you get higher up. I was at the brigade headquarters for the Second Brigade, 34th Infantry Division. I spent 15 years at the brigade headquarters.
My first volunteer experience was with the Boone County Zoning Board, then the Boone Greenspace Committee and the Boone County Sheriff’s Reserve Program as a reserve deputy. And I volunteered for Boone County Search and Rescue.
Why are you running for county supervisor? I believe in leadership that shows up for the people every single day. Boone County deserves leaders who are accountable, practical, and forward-thinking. That’s me, and I’m ready to continue my work.
What are your top three priorities for Boone County? 1. Fiscal responsibility. Keeping our levy low is important to me. 2. Environmental stewardship. I want to protect Boone County’s natural landscape and waterways for future generations 3. Attract development, new businesses, and support local job growth.
If elected, how would you achieve those priorities? I will continue going through the yearly budget, line item by line item, making sure there’s no wasteful spending. For the environmental stewardship, I’ve already been in talks with Secretary Mike Naig about our waterways, and I sit on the Beaver Creek Watershed Board. I’m a big believer in buffer zones, and I am trying to work with the state and DNR to create buffer zones along the river.
Wayne Lynch
Age: Did not answer
Party: Republican
Where did you grow up? Boone County
Where do you currently live? Boone
Where did you receive your education? Graduate of United Community School and Iowa State University
What is your current occupation? I have spent more than 25 years working for Smithfield Foods, where I developed a strong foundation in agriculture and business. Additionally, my family owns and operates a local auctioneering business, crop farm, and raises pigs.
What political/volunteering experience do you have? I have served on the Boone County Fair Board for over 25 years, and volunteer with 4-H and FFA.
Why are you running for county supervisor? With years of community leadership experience, I am running for county supervisor with plans to strengthen our county by bringing common-sense values to the office; supporting people, projects and policies that put Boone County first.
What are your top three priorities for Boone County? Keep property taxes low to ensure Boone County remains an affordable place to live and work; manage tax dollars responsibly to provide strong community resources; maintain a balanced approach to serving both rural and urban residents
If elected, how would you achieve those priorities? I will keep taxes low, while also providing needed resources to our county by being fiscally responsible with all tax dollars. Spending will be evaluated on the basis of need and benefit to our community and its members. Wasteful spending will be eliminated.
As someone who lives within the city limits of Boone and also owns a business and farms in Boone County, I am familiar with both county and city operations and will lead a cooperative effort to build bridges that would be a great benefit for all citizens.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Meet the 2 candidates vying for the Boone County board of supervisors
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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