Leila Staton.

REINBECK – Democratic candidate for House District 54 Leila Staton raised a total of $10,268 last year. State Representative Josh Meggers raised a total of $10,500. Staton only falling $232 short.

A Democrat has not run in this district since 2020, before redistricting. Looking to November, this race is set to be competitive.

It is important to note that contributions to Staton’s campaign have all been by people, and approximately 10% from local county Democratic Parties. As for Meggers’s campaign, it’s predominantly corporate PAC money.

“It’s okay to change your mind when you watch the news. When you see the violence on television, when your groceries haven’t gotten cheaper, as public education continues to be defunded and water quality is still terrible-it is okay to acknowledge that this isn’t the Iowa that raised you nor the country you were raised to love. It is okay to have a change of heart and change your mind,” Staton said.

Staton announced her candidacy to represent House District 54 (Hardin, Grundy, and western Black Hawk County) in May 2025 and her main priorities include supporting public education, protecting family farms, expanding rural healthcare (including OBGYN) and making water quality a priority.

For more information, contact Staton at leilaforiowa@gmail.com.