Garth Van Donselaar says a desire to give northwest Iowa voters another option led him to run for the Iowa House.
The Sioux Center independent is challenging Republican incumbent Skyler Wheeler of Hull in House District 4, which covers all of Lyon County and portions of Sioux County. The election is November 3.
During an interview last week on Sioux County Radio’s The Daily Grind, Van Donselaar discussed his technology background, decision to run without a political party, and interest in bringing a different approach to state government.
From Technology Work to a Legislative Campaign
A Sioux Center native, Van Donselaar graduated from Dordt with a degree in computer science. He works as a systems administrator for American State Bank’s holding company, managing its server infrastructure.
Van Donselaar said frustration with a lack of choices in local elections prompted him to investigate the requirements for getting on the ballot.
He said his professional experience has helped prepare him to address unfamiliar challenges and work toward solutions.
“I might not have the answers when I get called, but it’s all about figuring it out moving forward,” Van Donselaar said.
He also argued that technology experience would be valuable as lawmakers consider issues involving artificial intelligence and data centers.
“We invest in technology more and more. And we need leadership that is understands that technology and understands how it works,” he said.
Independence and His Pitch to Voters
Van Donselaar said he’s been an independent his entire life and that political parties were never meant to be part of the equation when the country was founded.
“I’ve never had any real interest in joining any sort of political party,” he said. “I don’t feel like the political parties in our country particularly represent the people. They more represent their own interests and their own donors.”
His proposals include term limits and open primaries. He said he wants to reduce the influence of political parties and evaluate ideas based on whether they would help Iowans.
Van Donselaar acknowledged some similarities with Wheeler, including support for education savings accounts. However, he argued that his independence would allow him to approach decisions without being tied to a party’s positions.
“I’m willing to work with other people to try to come up with solutions that are best for everyone, not just on one half of the aisle,” he said.
Other priorities he discussed included protecting farmland, maintaining support for public education, and preserving access to information through libraries.
Van Donselaar said he wants to reach voters who feel discouraged by politics and offer them a reason to participate. He encouraged residents to contact him with questions and said he shares campaign information through his Garth4Iowa Facebook and Instagram pages.
Voters will choose between Van Donselaar and Wheeler in the November 3 election.
