Collins announces candidacy for Iowa House

Taylor Collins announced that he will seek the Republican nomination for the newly redistricted Iowa House District 95.

Collins said that he will be listening to the issues that impact 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 the 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 Rep. David Kerr (R-Morning Sun) announced he will not seek re-election after serving three terms in the Iowa House.

“I want to thank Rep. 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 adviser to Governor Kim Reynolds, and later senior adviser to Lt. Governor Adam Gregg.

As a policy adviser, Collins served as a liaison to four state agencies under the purview of the executive branch.

He 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.

Collins also 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.

He currently resides in Mediapolis, not far from where, in 1951, Taylor’s great grandparents, John and Betty McCulley Sr. founded the family business, Oakville Feed and Produce, now known as TriOak Foods.