Working-Class Iowan De La Cerda Seeks Congressman Tom Latham's Seat

A Des Moines Area Community College student and former Iowa political coordinator for the United Steel Workers Union has announced his plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, a position currently held by Tom Latham.

Gabriel De La Cerda said in an announcement Monday that his family comes from a long line of migrant workers.

“The time for being passive in our democracy is over,” De La Cerda said. “In today’s political climate I will fight for those who have no voice. I will reinvigorate the progressive beliefs which made this country successful for all in the 20^th century. I will not apologize for my ideals, and I will fight relentlessly for what I believe in. Never bet against the American working class – we're the ones who get things done.”

See De La Cerda's full statement below:

Former factory worker Gabriel De La Cerda has declared his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. A lifelong member of the working class, De La Cerda understands first-hand the hardships faced by the everyday Iowan. He aspires to serve in Congress to help solve those issues.

“Congressmen like Tom Latham seem to think the strength of a political voice should be determined by the size of a person’s bank account,” De La Cerda said. “Struggling Americans all across the country have to choose between filling up the gas tank or paying the light bill; I’ve had to face this reality. How can the millionaires in Congress – who have never had to make this choice – truly represent the Americans who struggle with this decision every day? Our voices must be represented in Congress, and I can be that voice.”  

De La Cerda seeks to win his party’s nomination through his diligent work ethic; using his passion for politics to amplify the voices of those who are still struggling to recover from the effects of the Great Recession.

Currently a communications student at Des Moines Area Community College, De La Cerda served as Iowa Political Coordinator for the United Steel Workers Union during the 2012 campaign season. After working as a proud union member at Firestone AG Tire Factory in Des Moines, De La Cerda made the decision in February 2013 to dedicate his time to pursuing his education and running for Congress.

De La Cerda is 34 years old and was born in Nuremberg, Germany, as his father was overseas serving six years with the U.S. Army. His father currently resides in Eagle Pass TX, and his mother lives in Des Moines. She is a proud union member/factory worker at Firestone AG Tire Factory. His family comes from a long line of proud and unwavering migrant workers. They provided a humble upbringing which instilled in him that true happiness is found in family and friendships, not wealth and acquisitions.

“The time for being passive in our democracy is over,” De La Cerda said. “In today’s political climate I will fight for those who have no voice. I will reinvigorate the progressive beliefs which made this country successful for all in the 20^th century. I will not apologize for my ideals, and I will fight relentlessly for what I believe in. Never bet against the American working class – we're the ones who get things done.”