Jan Heikes announces candidacy for Iowa State Senate in District 28

Jan Heikes of Decorah has announced that she is officially running for the Iowa State Senate. She is seeking the Democratic nomination in Senate District 28, which is comprised of all of Allamakee and Clayton counties and parts of Fayette and Winneshiek counties. She will be running against Michael Breitbach of Strawberry Point, who will be seeking re-election to that office this year.
Through her experience working at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility, now Wellington Place, and as the Central Point of Coordination Administrator for Mental Health & Disability Services in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties, as well as in her position as a Program Planner in the Community Services Bureau of the Department of Human Services, Heikes has built up over 30 years of involved experience serving Iowans most in need.
“I want to use the experiences and knowledge I have gained over the years to serve as an advocate for those in my community, our district, and all around the state who are dealing with issues that deserve a voice in Des Moines," she shared.
Along with mental health services, Heikes pointed to several other key issues that inspired her to run, including:
• Adequately funding local public schools
• Ensuring affordable community college for workers to receive the training needed for 21st century jobs
• Helping to improve access to affordable healthcare for all Iowans.
“I want to help create more opportunities for hard-working Iowans,” Heikes said. “I will work diligently for the creation of new jobs in our local communities, so all Iowans can achieve a pathway to success.”
Her involvement in northeast Iowa has been widespread as she has volunteered with the Decorah Free Clinic, Winneshiek County United Way, Winneshiek County Habitat for Humanity, Hesper Helpers 4-H Club Leader, and the North Winneshiek and Decorah schools.
Jan and her husband, Lee Zook, have been married 31 years. Lee taught at Luther College in Decorah. They have two sons, Joel and Sam. Heikes worships at the Decorah First United Methodist Church, where she also sings in the choir, serves on a variety of committees, and taught Sunday School.
“The people of northeast Iowa deserve a Senator who will listen to all sides of an issue, help solve problems, and best represent the community at the Capitol," Heikes said. "I believe I am best suited for that job. I will be working hard over the next ten months to visit every corner of the district and talk to as many voters as possible. I encourage anyone to contact me at janheikes2016@gmail.com.”