Dave Sires (R-Cedar Falls).

Dave Sires, 63, is the Republican nominee for Senate District 38. He lives with his wife Lisa – whom he first met in kindergarten and has been married to for 42 years – in Cedar Falls. Together they own and operate Cedar Village Community, a manufactured housing community, and Added Self Storage. Sires graduated from Cedar Falls High School in 1979; he also studied economics at the University of Northern Iowa.

1. Why are you the best candidate for this office – what differentiates you from your opponent?

I am the only candidate who has lived in District 38 my entire life. I’m the only candidate that has farmed. I’m the only candidate who is a lifetime member of the NRA. I also served on the CF City Council for four years and CF is the largest city in the district.

2. What particular issues would you like to see addressed by the Iowa Legislature in the session?

At this time, I am hearing from many constituents about issues they would like to see addressed, but first, our biggest challenge is to have a Republican elected for District 38 in the state senate so that the Republicans in the district have representation. We need a seat at the table.

3. Please explain your position(s) on private property rights and eminent domain in Iowa.

I am against eminent domain when it is not used for the good of the public.

4. Where do you stand on funding for public schools, particularly rural public schools? What is your position on the Students First Act (signed into law in January of 2023) and its recent rollout?

I believe the state is adequately funding public schools. If we are falling behind in the rankings, we need to pinpoint the problem, not just automatically spend more money.

5. Where do you stand on access to abortion in Iowa? As of today, abortion is prohibited in Iowa after cardiac activity can be detected (roughly 6 weeks of pregnancy); there are also limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality, or when the life of the mother is in danger.

I agree with the current abortion law – the “heartbeat” law, with exceptions.

6. ‘Cancer capital,’ ‘cancer hotspot,’ ‘cancer crisis,’ – these are just some of the phrases being used to describe Iowa following a report earlier this year from the Iowa Cancer Registry – a research group at the University of Iowa – indicating Iowa has the second-highest and fastest-growing rates of new cancers among all the states. What should the Iowa Legislature do in the upcoming session to tackle this issue, an issue that is concerning to many Iowans?

Cancer is an ugly disease. There seem to be many causes that are being identified. Promotion of healthy eating habits and a healthy lifestyle is something the state could encourage.

7. Housing is incredibly tight currently in many rural counties including in Tama County. If elected, what legislation will you support to ensure Iowa’s rural counties are places young families can afford to live?

Keeping taxes as low as possible will help the housing shortage and affordability. Property taxes are always present, so if we can keep taxes low it will help all around for housing and other aspects of day to day living.

8. Iowa is predicted to end Fiscal Year 2024 with a nearly $2 billion budget surplus. How do you think the surplus should be managed?

With the surplus of the Iowa budget, once again it would be great to continue to reduce taxes to directly benefit a family’s budget.

9. In one sentence, why should people vote for you on November 5, 2024?

People should vote for me on November 5th because I am a lifelong Iowan, lifelong conservative, businessman, husband, father and grandfather who is committed to fighting to ensure that my family and yours can always be proud to call our state home!