Trending
Two candidates will face off against each other in the Nov. 3 general election for the Iowa House of Representatives District 51 seat.
Incumbent Republican Brett Barker, the former Nevada mayor, is seeking a second term after winning his first legislative election in 2024. In the June primary, he defeated challenger Shane Heintz of Nevada for the Republican spot in the election.
The other is political newcomer and Democratic candidate Teresa Perin of Rhodes. Perin is a farmer and an English teacher at Marshalltown High School.
District 51 covers the northwest, southwest and northeast quadrants of Marshall County — including communities of Green Mountain, Albion, Liscomb, St. Anthony, Clemons, Rhodes, Melbourne and State Center — along with a large swath of Story County outside of Ames.
The candidates’ answers to the second half of the T-R’s questionnaire are printed below.
What can the state do to provide relief from the cost and availability of childcare?
Barker: Iowa families need both more childcare options and more affordable care. I’ve supported efforts to recruit and retain childcare professionals and remove unnecessary barriers to entering the workforce. I’ve also supported expanding eligibility for Iowa’s child and dependent care tax credit. I’ll continue looking for practical solutions that increase childcare capacity while helping families afford it.
Perin: Childcare is essential. One of the things we can do to help is generally improving the state's economy. Affordability of childcare is one issue. Iowa's minimum wage has not increased since 2008, and is significantly lower than five of the surrounding states, and the legislature stripped away the ability of local communities to raise the minimum wage above the state level. Better pay would help make it more affordable. It would also make it easier to attract people to the child care business if they were earning a living wage.
Should school districts receive more state funding? How much should they receive each year?
Barker: I supported approximately $4 billion for public education in FY2027, continuing Iowa’s significant investment in our schools. Funding decisions should be made responsibly each year based on enrollment, costs and the state’s fiscal condition rather than committing taxpayers to an arbitrary number. I’ve also supported higher teacher pay, expanded workforce training opportunities, limits on classroom distractions such as cell phones and a stronger role for parents in their children’s education.
Perin: The current leadership likes to say they have allocated more money to schools than ever before, and that is true. But the amount they have spent on schools is still less than the pace of inflation. Sen. Quirmbach, an ISU economics professor has done the math and figured that we spend about $1,200 less per general education student than what we would if we had just kept pace with inflation. There's an even bigger discrepancy with special needs students. Additionally, our schools are losing funding because of the voucher program that gives public tax dollars to private schools with no accountability. Our schools have now fallen into the bottom half of national rankings. If we want to bring our schools back to the excellence they used to be known for, we have to increase funding. We have a teacher shortage, and we cannot attract and retain high quality teachers.
What particular LGBTQ+ issues would you more than likely address and why?
Barker: I’m proud to represent every constituent, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity or background. My approach is the same for everyone: listen, treat people with respect and focus on the issues affecting their families and communities. I’ll continue making sure every constituent has a voice in state government.
Perin: Republicans like to run on a campaign of protecting individual rights and freedoms, but that gets thrown out the window when it comes to LGBTQ individuals. In 2025, the current administration removed gender identity from the Iowa Civil Rights Act, removing protections for housing, education and employment. I absolutely believe in protecting the individual rights of all people, and we need to protect our most vulnerable population with a guarantee of those rights.
Please explain why you are the best candidate for voters.
Barker: I’m asking voters for a second term because I’ve demonstrated that I can turn conservative principles into practical results. I’ve supported responsible budgets, lower taxes and property tax relief while working to improve healthcare, mental health services, foster care and opportunities in rural Iowa.
My background in healthcare, local government and public policy gives me a unique perspective on the challenges facing our communities. I’ll continue fighting for a more affordable, healthier and stronger Iowa while bringing a common-sense approach to the Statehouse.
Perin: I never thought I would run for public office. I'm not a politician. I'm a now retired teacher and mostly retired farmer who thinks the state is moving in the wrong direction. I'm tired of seeing politicians make decisions that have put our state in a horrible financial position and our people struggling to make ends meet. Instead of tackling the difficult issues that would help Iowans, they decide on a whim to raise the speed limit in rural areas (hello, tractors). So why should people vote for me over the incumbent?
I will protect the rights of property owners. I will absolutely stand up for the rights of property owners when it comes to the issue of eminent domain for private businesses. Unlike my opponent, who has twice voted in favor of businesses, I understand the importance of protecting our land and our property rights.
I am fiscally responsible. I understand how hard it is to raise a family and make ends meet. There were times buying a roll of stamps felt like it would put my budget over the top. But, I have managed to buy and pay off my acreage and a farm. There were times I had to work two or three jobs to do it. And sometimes, that wasn't enough. I had to rely on the help of my family, and I realize how lucky I was to be able to do that. I will bring that fiscal responsibility to the legislature rather than support a budget that spends a billion dollars more than it brings in.
I will be there for my constituents. I have already had people talk to me about concerns they have and share that they've tried to talk to the current legislator who refuses to return their call. It's my belief that this position is one of public service. If elected, I will be working for the people of District 51, and they have a right to expect I will be available to talk to them.
I am a farmer. I have lived in this deeply rural district for almost my entire life, and I know these communities. They have shaped who I am. I have owned my own farm, and I understand the challenges of farming. Right now, those challenges are almost overwhelming, and we need someone to represent this district who understands the issues facing farmers and our rural communities. In contrast, the incumbent is a pharmacist who worked for the pharmacy that defrauded the state of $22 million. I think this district deserves a representative who shares their values.
Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.