Who is Russ?

IOWA HOUSE DISTRICT 43 (Johnston, Saylorville, Crocker and more) I am doing this for you, my neighbors, friends, and soon to be friends!

My name is Russell “Doc” Saffell. After my good friend and Iowa House Rep., Eddie Andrews, announced his bid for the Governorship of the Great State of Iowa, and following significant consideration, and many, MANY, people telling me that I need to run for office, I have made a decision! With patriotism at its peak, I can think of no better time than now to announce my candidacy for the Iowa House of Representatives in Iowa House District 43 for 2026! Eddie has done a great job in this seat, and I will keep that momentum going!

I am a Combat Veteran, a former business executive, and a current non-profit executive. I have served in all echelons of government, as a highly sought-after consultant, and also as a college professor. I hold an undergraduate degree in Public Administration (Emergency and Disaster Management), a master’s degree in Security and Safety Leadership, a Doctoral Executive Certificate in Public Policy, and am currently in my dissertation phase of a Ph.D. in Economic Policy. It is time I put all this education and experience to work for my fellow Iowans, to “restore common sense and protect Iowa’s future”!

So, what do I stand for? Well, in short, I stand for you, and the Iowa State Motto: “Our Liberties We Prize, and Our Rights We Will Maintain”. But what does that mean? Well, I believe in:

  • Fiscal responsibility;

  • stemming out corruption, fraud, waste, and abuse;

  • tax relief for all;

  • promoting commerce;

  • protection of individual and property rights;

  • a strong, diversified economy;

  • supporting our military and veterans;

  • clean, safe, and secure communities;

  • limiting the power of government to interfere in the private lives of our citizens;

  • world-class education; and

  • the opportunity for prosperity for all Iowans.

If you are in Iowa House District 43, please feel free to email me with any questions you may have. I am here to listen. I hope to see you all on the campaign trail!

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