The Ames Regional Economic Alliance has a strong track record of working with local, state and federal elected officials to advance issues important to businesses, communities and the broader Ames region. Maintaining those relationships is a core part of the Alliance’s business advocacy work, which continues throughout the year and includes engaging with policymakers from across the political spectrum.
Election season can make that work a little more complicated, but it does not change the Alliance’s role. The Alliance does not endorse candidates or support political action committees. Instead, we remain focused on being a nonpartisan convener and connector, creating opportunities for candidates to learn more about our region, its businesses and its communities.
Candidates frequently want to visit the Ames region and see firsthand the businesses, industries and community assets that are contributing to Iowa’s economy. We view that interest as a compliment to the strength of our region and the impact our businesses and communities have across the state.
Many of these relationships begin with a simple conversation. From there, the Alliance can help connect candidates with local businesses, community leaders and regional economic development partners and, when appropriate, facilitate tours that provide a firsthand look at the work happening across Boone, Greene, Hamilton and Story counties. The Alliance serves all four counties and works to promote economic growth and community development throughout the region.
As the 2026 election season continues, the Alliance has been in contact with and/or confirmed visits from gubernatorial candidates Zach Lahn (R) and Rob Sand (D), as well as U.S. Senate candidates Representative Ashley Hinson (R) and Josh Turek (D). We expect to continue those conversations and will be in discussions with additional candidates throughout the election season.
Our role is straightforward: we don’t endorse candidates, but we believe it is valuable for candidates to understand our region, hear directly from the people who live and work here, and see the businesses and communities driving our economy. That commitment to engagement and relationship-building does not stop during an election year.