John Ward Seeks Republican Nomination for Senate Seat to Carry On Late Wife's Work

John Ward, the husband of the late Sen. Pat Ward, announced today his intent to seek the Republican nomination for Iowa Senate District 22.

Ward is a former West Des Moines school board president and president and CEO of Sullivan & Ward, PC, a West Des Moines-based law firm. He graduated from Drake University Law School and is a lifelong resident of Iowa. 

John Ward's announcement comes just weeks after Sen. Pat Ward passed away from a three-year battle with breast cancer. At the time of her death, she was actively campaigning for the Senate seat in District 22 against Democrat Desmund Adams.

"Pat was convinced she would get well and win the election," said John Ward. "She was very passionate about being in the Senate and representing her constituents."

The district includes Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights and part of West Des Moines.

The election isn't a lock for Ward. He must first be nominated by the Iowa Republican Party. On Thursday, Nov. 8, members of the Polk and Dallas County Central Committees representing precincts in Senate District 22 will gather at the Iowa Republican Party headquarters in downtown Des Moines to choose a candidate to represent the party in a special election to be held on Dec. 11.

Ward knows he has a lot ahead of him, but is confident his would approve of his campaigning to fill her shoes in the Iowa Senate.

"Pat was very much involved in trying to get more jobs in the district and improve employment wherever possible," he said. "She was active in getting property tax reforms through, as well as a number of other things she worked on. We talked about a lot of the issues and we were pretty much on same page as far as our philosophies.

"It’s been difficult and obviously I've talked to a lot of people and thought carefully about it," he said. "I think it’s something Pat would approve of and it gives me an opportunity to carry on with the legislation."

For more information on John Ward’s prospective nomination, contact his
campaign team at JohnWardForSenate@gmail.com.