Responding to months of conjecture about his political future, Iowa. Sen. Chuck Grassley announced Friday he will seek an historic eighth term in the U.S. Senate in the 2022 midterm election.
Mr. Grassley, 88, a farmer from New Hartford, announced his intentions early Friday morning via Twitter. If re-elected, he would be 95 at the end of his term.
“Serving Iowans in the United States Senate is a tremendous honor,” Mr. Grassley said in a statement announcing his plans. “I’m working harder than ever for the people of Iowa and there’s more work to do. In a time of crisis and polarization, Iowa needs strong, effective leadership. I’m focused on serving the people of Iowa as your senator and fighting for policies that will make Iowa an even better to raise a family and grow a business.
“As I travel through Iowa holding Q&As at my annual 99 county meetings, Iowans have encouraged me to continue my work representing them,” he added. “I’m glad to have the support of Iowans and I will work as hard as ever to earn their continued support in the months ahead. Iowans know how seriously I take my work representing them in the U.S. Senate to solve problems, which is why I never miss a vote. For example, I’m leading the effort to lower the cost of prescription drugs, give independent cattle producers a fair market, secure our border, protect the renewable fuel standard, and hold government accountable to the people. Barbara and I look forward to talking with Iowans across the state as we build a winning campaign focused on issues that are most important to Iowans.”
It’s 4 a.m. in Iowa so I’m running. I do that 6 days a week. Before I start the day I want you to know what Barbara and I have decided.
I’m running for re-election—a lot more to do, for Iowa. We ask and will work for your support. Will you join us? #GrassleyRuns #GrassleyWorks pic.twitter.com/cwv8yu9wkx
— Grassley Works (@GrassleyWorks) September 24, 2021
Mr. Grassley, a Republican, is the longest serving U.S. senator in Iowa history, having originally been elected to the Senate in 1981. Previously, he served eight terms in the Iowa House of Representatives from 1959 to 1975 and three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1975 to 1981. He has served three stints as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He also served as president pro tem of the Senate from 2019 to 2021, and is the longest-serving Republican in the Senate.
In a Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released recently, Mr. Grassley leads his primary challenger, former Democratic Rep. Abby Finkenauer, among likely voters in the 2022 midterm elections by a 55% to 37% margin.
