CLEAR LAKE – Another potential conservative challenger for Linda Upmeyer’s seat in the Iowa Legislature has emerged.
Gabriel Haugland, a combat Veteran of Afghanistan, and current JAG officer in the Iowa National Guard, said today he is considering an opportunity to be a candidate for Iowa House District 54, the seat held for one more session by Speaker Linda Upmeyer. Mr. Haugland said today:
“When I came back from Afghanistan in 2011, I was very interested in running for the newly created House seat that included Clear Lake. The timing wasn’t right then, and Rep. Linda Upmeyer was the right person to continue her hard work for the district.
When I started this business venture 7 months ago, I had no idea what it would become. When I began the military medical retirement process a few months ago, I had no idea Rep. Upmeyer would decide to step down shortly thereafter.
I initially encouraged Carolyn to run for the seat but after a period of time and prayer it became clear that what’s best for our family right now is for her to be home with the kids.
At this point in my life, I’d actually be just fine running our new business, being home with our family and fishing in my free time, but after some initial discussions with local party leaders, long-time GOP consultants/advisors, and local representatives, I have decided to take a good, hard look at running for House District 54 in 2020.
I have given a good portion of my life to the GOP and the values it has historically stood for – and many of those values are still my core values.
We would appreciate your prayers as we consider this opportunity.”
Linda Upmeyer was first elected to the Iowa House in 2002 and 2015 was chosen to serve as Speaker of the House. She announced her retirement last monthbut will serve out her term in the 2020 session.
“I will finish my term so replacement at next election. Didn’t want to cause a special election,” Speaker Upmeyer told NIT Friday.
Gabriel Haugland has political experience, as he has served as Chairman of the Cerro Gordo County Republican Party. He also served on the State Central Committee in the Iowa GOP. He has been very active in conservatives causes going back to his college days, and has worked on multiple GOP Presidential campaigns. After deploying to Afghanistan in 2011 as an Infantry Platoon Leader, he transitioned to the JAG Corps and represented survivors of military sexual trauma on active duty for the last 3 years. He came off active duty on October 1, 2019. He is also a small business owner, operating 7 national franchise territories in north Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
The next election is set for November 3, 2020. A primary would be held June 2, 2020 – which is a likely scenario as other conservatives are lining up to look at a run for the seat.
I know Gabe and his wife Carolyn, and their kids. The Hoaglands really are wonderful people and a great family.
I do not live in the district so cannot vote in this one.
But Gabe has served his country well, and he serves the Lord. And if you elect him, he will be so dedicated to serving all the people he will represent.
I do know Mrs. Latham, she is a nice lady but she was just way in over her head. Those on this site that say she had her chance are right. The state GOP never should have recruited her. Also, it was not right for them to play favorites and keep Steve Minert from getting in to that race.
It is time to give somebody new a chance, that man should be Gabe Hoagland.
If you know him so well, how come you don’t know how to spell his last name?
Hey does anybody know, who is Linda for?
I will say, Gabe is a fresh face that has military, loves his Lord, he is in business for himself. Latham is a loser and if she runs against Gabe, she will be a 2-time loser. So will the powers to be down at the capitol throw their weight around Shannan this time.
Trying to get that Latham elected was like putting lipstick on a pig.
Good try Gabe. Keep bashing other Republicans.
This is good to see, Mr Hogeland will be a good state rep for all the people.
My husband said he heard Shannon Latham might run, yucky.
Well I guess its ok if she does, will be fun to see Mr Hogeland finish her off.
@ Doris, Gabe he has my vote if he goes for this, he is a good Christian and he knows business, and is a vet.
Lot’s of Republicans are still very mad at that Latham lady for what she did.
On account of her we are still stuck with Amanda Ragan. If Shannon thinks we have got over it, she will find out different when she knocks on doors.
She knocked on our door, we ask her why did you let the big wig’s down to Des Moines bully Minert. She said she had nothing to do with none of it.
Me and the wife, we don’t like liars. Or losers.
Gabe if your reading this, you got the two vote’s from our house. Shannon, if your reading this, we will feel real good when we pull that lever for Gabe.
No Gabe, don’t.
Is your real name Latham anonymous?