T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY Republican Iowa House candidate and current Nevada Mayor Brett Barker, pictured, spoke to the Pachyderm Herd at Legends American Grill in Marshalltown on Friday. If elected, he would serve District 51, which includes most of Marshall County north and west of Marshalltown and most of Story County outside of Ames.

“Back the Beard” is Republican candidate Brett Barker’s campaign slogan and Barker, sporting his trademark facial hair, came to the local Pachyderm Herd club Friday afternoon at Legends American Grill and asked for their support in the June 4 primary.

Behind the beard, according to Barker, is a proven conservative who said he will work to empower parents to make decisions that are best for their children, fight for life, and protect Second Amendment rights among other positions.

He also pledged to protect Iowa farmers.

Barker, 40, is the mayor of Nevada — population 6,925 — and is one of two Republicans vying to represent House District 51 in the Iowa Legislature. The other is Marty Chitty of Nevada, president of the Nevada School Board and a former Story County supervisor.

The winner will take on the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 5. General election. House District 51 comprises most of rural Marshall County north and west of Marshalltown and a portion of Story County outside of Ames.

“Our economy in Nevada is growing,” Barker said. “We are outperforming Ames and Boone because of our economic development strategies.”

Barker touted his ability to collaborate with others as a strong skill that will aid in advancing Gov. Kim Reynolds’ conservative agenda in Des Moines.

In remarks to the Pachyderm Herd crowd of approximately 30, he frequently cited his collaboration and listening and business skills as a pharmacist with NuCara – all of which have contributed to Nevada’s economic growth.

The district is currently represented by Dave Deyoe (R-Nevada) a farmer, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Deyoe has endorsed Barker, according to the latter’s campaign literature.

“He’s done a great job as mayor and has gotten a lot of things accomplished for the city,” said Deyoe. “I am really happy. Obviously, you want to leave it (the seat) to someone you like and someone who is competent and able to do the job, and Brett is absolutely competent and able to do this and I think we would be lucky to have him as state representative.”

Barker has also secured the endorsement of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa).

“I am proud to endorse Brett for Iowa House District 51,” said Ernst in Barker’s campaign literature. “Brett brings a unique blend of expertise and community leadership to the table, making him an outstanding candidate to represent the district.”

Marshall County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jarret Heil — and others — have also endorsed Barker according to the candidate’s website. He has also served as chairperson of the Story County GOP and Midwest Regional Vice Chair of the Young Republican National Federation.

Barker, who said he was a “first generation Iowan,” and his wife have five children. For more information, contact brett@barkerforiowa.com or Barker for Iowa on Facebook and Instagram.