MEDIAPOLIS, Iowa –Jan. 4,Taylor Collins announced he will seek the Republican nomination for the newly redistricted Iowa House District 95. Collins is eager to listen to the issues most important to the voters of Des Moines, Henry, Louisa, and Muscatine counties.

“There’s often too much noise in Des Moines and not enough results. I’m running for this seat to bring common-sense solutions to the table and be a strong, conservative voice for Southeast Iowa,” said Collins. “I look forward to talking with folks in the district about the issues they’re facing and earning their votes along the way.

The announcement comes after Representative David Kerr (R-Morning Sun) announced he will not seek reelection after serving three terms in the Iowa House.

“I want to thank Representative Kerr for his many years of service to our state, and wish him and Joyce all the best in his retirement,” said Collins. “At the Capitol, Dave is known to be an effective advocate for Southeast Iowa. He leaves big shoes to fill, but I will work as hard as I can to continue to ensure the people of Southeast Iowa remain well represented.”

Collins previously served as a policy advisor to Governor Kim Reynolds and later senior advisor to Li eutenant Governor Adam Gregg. As a Policy Advisor, Taylor served as a liaison to four state agencies under the purview of the executive branch. Taylor worked with the lieutenant governor on rural development policy through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative and helped craft policy recommendations through the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. Most notably, Taylor served in the governor’s office during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, aiding in the state’s response.

Collins is currently an adjunct professor at Iowa Wesleyan University where he teaches classes in economics and business. He has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Drake
University. Collins also serves as chair of the Southeast Iowa Young Republicans chapter, and attends Harmony Bible Church in Danville with his fiancé Savannah. Taylor currently resides in Mediapolis, not far from where, in 1951, Taylor’s great grandparents, John McCulley Sr.
and his wife, Betty, founded the family business – Oakville Feed & Produce, now known as TriOak Foods.