Fort Madison, IA – Steve Ireland is the fourth candidate (and third Democrat) to announce his intention to replace State Senator Gene Fraise (D-Lee County).
Fraise says the upcoming legislative session will be his last in Des Moines.
Ireland was elected to his fourth term as Fort Madison Mayor just last month.
He says since he made the announcement, residents have been asking him to remain in city government.
Ireland says while he respects their opinions, he feels the time is right to start dealing with issues at the state level.
"Sometimes you have to move on and learn and not stay in the same spot," says Ireland, "I will service the 42nd district just like I am Fort Madison."
The new 42nd District will include all of Lee and Henry Counties and portions of Washington and Jefferson Counties.
Ireland says some of his top priorities would be job creation, balancing the state's budget and reducing the commercial property tax rate.
There is plenty of time for more candidates to emerge.
That's because the first day to file for the June 5th primary is still 2 months away.