Launching my campaign at the 4th of July parade in my hometown of Storm Lake
Hi, I’m Ash.
I am a 6th generation Iowan, (four of those generations born in Sac County, here in the 4th district!) who grew up in and resides in Storm Lake. I have had to fight through several challenging life events and have lived on a tight budget most of my life, so I not only have empathy for normal Iowans, but I am one. This, combined with my longtime passion for politics, desire to listen, problem solving skills, and strong work ethic, has given me all the tools I need to be an effective congresswoman.
I realized I’m a Democrat in 6th grade, when my classmates and I learned the basic differences between the two major political parties in the U.S. Even though low taxes initially sounded attractive, I quickly realized that taxes are necessary to fund society, and I loved that the Democrats stand up for the underdogs. And now, as an adult, I know that in other countries the extremely wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, which contributes to the happiness and health of their societies. Ever since that 6th grade realization, I have cared deeply about politics, always reading multiple perspectives on issues, calling and emailing my representatives, attending as many town halls and legislative forums as I could, even publicly taking Steve King to task for one of his horrible quotes. When I was nineteen, I was excited to vote in a presidential election for the first time, and equally excited that Barack Obama was the president I got to vote for. Seeing that policies like Healthcare For All and raising minimum wage would take America out of the status quo into a brighter future, Bernie Sanders gave me new hope for American politics. So, my family and I canvassed and caucused for him, but I also made phone calls for Biden and Kamala, because even if my preferred candidate doesn’t win the primary, I still recognize that on the whole, Democrats are implementing policies that help everyday Americans more than the alternative. This year, with other community leaders, I organized protests for our community in response to the harmful actions of the current presidential administration.
I know that none of my political history is extremely out of the ordinary. I’m just a normal Iowan who cares a lot and wanted to see a progressive candidate come out to run for U.S. House after District 4 candidate, Ryan Melton, unfortunately had to suspend his campaign. I know that as a competent, intelligent, caring, normal American who is listening to people, I can do a good job of giving Iowa’s 4th district a voice in Washington.
The WolfTornabanes
Fall 2024
A lifelong lover of education, I graduated in the top 10 of my class at Storm Lake High School and was very excited to attend Luther College the fall after graduation, where I planned to study music. But my life plan was derailed when my dad, a Navy Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer just a few weeks before my college start date. Not knowing what the future may hold, I made the choice to stay home to be near my dad through his cancer treatments. Although I was heartbroken to miss out on my planned college experience, I will always be grateful I chose to stay home, because six months later, my dad passed away.
My dad, Keith Wolf, and me, circa 1995
1991 - (Left to Right) Dad, Mom, Keith Jr., me, and Joe in front of our trailer home we lived in until I was 12
Although that was not the start to adulthood I ever would have chosen, it led to a beautiful life, including a husband and two living children, jobs including: waitress, retail work, Director of Christian Education for my church, instructional assistant at my public school district, and I am now a stay-at-home mom. These experiences have all given me skills I can bring to Congress. As Director of Christian Education, all of the church members were my boss, just as in Congress all of my constituents would be my boss, as they should be. I had to manage a budget and volunteers; a congresswoman has to manage a budget and staff. I had to listen, collaborate with others, and solve problems that presented themselves, and over my six years as Director of Christian Ed, we tripled the size of the church’s Sunday School program. This achievement may sound quaint, but it is an accomplishment I’m proud of, considering national church attendance is decreasing. Working at the school district taught me about the needs of public education, something I’m passionate about, and being a waitress and working in retail gave me the perspective of those working in lower paying important jobs. All of these experiences would be helpful in giving a voice to the everyday folks of the 4th District in Congress and finding solutions for a Happier, Healthier Iowa.
As a note: my faith is important to me. It has seen me through all of the difficult times in my life, including the passing of my father, a miscarriage, and two stillbirths. Still, I am a firm believer in the separation of church and state. This is not a Christian nation; this is a nation that was founded on religious freedom. I want everyone to be able to worship or not worship as they please. Religious ceremony does not belong in schools. Additionally, as you’ll see on my platform, I believe public dollars should stay out of private schools.
I am a survivor, a lover of education, a hard worker, and a good listener who wants to finally give the people of Iowa’s 4th district a voice in Washington after years of our representatives working for billionaires and special interests.