Rural Buckeye native Annette Sweeney has announced her candidacy for the Iowa Senate District #27, which encompasses all of Hardin, Grundy, Poweshiek, much of Tama, and a portion of Blackhawk counties. Due to redistricting, Sweeney now resides in this district.
Annette plans to bring a lifetime of decision-making expertise spawned by educational, business, and volunteer endeavors. Sweeney said, “I am a strong believer in individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and our strong rural heritage. I also believe we need leadership in the legislature that will work hard to grow our economy by capitalizing on our strengths in agriculture. I believe our state’s future is very bright as we work together and continue to build on our strengths.”
With the enthusiastic support of her family, Annette looks forward to serving the constituents of Senate District #27. Her vision for Iowa focuses on traditional family relationships and values; responsible and accountable spending by government; reducing taxes; building an infrastructure that supports Iowa’s renewable energy opportunities, livestock and value-added industries; preservation of Iowa’s environment and natural resources, and the revitalization of rural communities and schools.
“Iowa should be America’s top choice for raising a family and educating your children in a clean and safe environment where opportunity lies around every curve in the road.”
Sweeney is also proud to announce the endorsement of Iowa Senator Tim Kapucian and Senator John Putney. Senator Kapucian said, “I cannot be more excited than to have Annette Sweeney running to continue the important work for our district. Annette will be a strong independent voice, and I enthusiastically endorse her candidacy. I will be proud to call her my state senator.” Senator Putney stated, “The new State Senate District will be well served by Senator Annette Sweeney. Senator Sweeney is a hard worker, and she has proven herself through her leadership and results in addressing agricultural, business, and constituent concerns.”
Sweeney was born and raised on her family’s third-generation farm outside of Buckeye, where she and her family continue to reside.
Annette was very active in her church, 4-H, sports, drama, and speech activities in her community. She transitioned her special affection for girls’ softball into a college career at Concordia College LCMS at Seward, NE, where she ultimately graduated with a BA in English speech/drama with a minor in coaching.
Annette began teaching middle school English in Peoria, IL, an occupation that was cut short by the untimely death of her father in 1983. She came home to farm the family’s row crop and purebred cow/calf operation. Undeterred by her gender, Annette called upon the tenacity that has become her trademark and negotiated a maze of financial burdens brought about by the farm crisis and inheritance tax debts.
In 1985, Annette married David Sweeney, and the couple continued to lead the family business while raising sons Jim and Joe. After a three-year endeavor as executive director of the Iowa Angus Association, Annette began a home-raised publishing business called Practical Promotions. With an open seat in 2008, Annette ran for the Iowa House and served from 2009 thru 2012. While in the House of Representatives, she served on the following committees: Agriculture (Chair), Natural Resources, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Agriculture Appropriation. During her time in the Iowa House, she received the Hoover Uncommon Public Servant, Legislator of the year from Crop Life America, Iowa Pet Breeders, and the Iowa Sportsman Alliance.
Serving as USDA Iowa Rural Development director in 2017, Annette traveled the state to small communities. Then early in 2018, she ran in a special election for the Iowa Senate. Annette is now serving as Iowa Senator for all of Hardin, Grundy, and parts of Story and Butler counties. She is currently serving the committees on Natural Resources and Environment (Chair), Agriculture (Vice-Chair), Education, Human Resources, Ways and Means, Education Appropriations, International Relations, and the Watershed Planning Advisory Council.
Annette is involved in many community and church activities. Her expertise has also been utilized in volunteer capacities such as the Ellsworth Community Ag Advisory Council, Hardin County Extension County, a 4-H leader, and a Sunday school teacher. Annette also serves as an organist for two local church congregations and a vocalist for weddings and funerals in the community.
Senator Sweeney is currently serving on the International Board of the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders board, Council of State Government and National Council of State Legislators Ag Task Forces, and member of the Empower Rural Iowa task force and Farm to Table task force. She is a Farm Bureau “Friend of Agriculture” recipient and enjoys an “A” Rating with NRA.
Annette and Dave’s sons Jim (wife) Rachel, and Joe, are all graduates of Iowa State University, live in the area, and are locally employed. Husband Dave is a veteran cattle producer who is passionate about livestock and environmental issues, as witnessed by his involvement in the county cattleman’s organization and as past president of the South Fork Watershed Alliance and recipient of the Iowa Environmental Leader Award. Dave is also active in the LCMS church in Buckeye.
Senator Sweeney concluded, “I look forward to traveling the new district and meeting with people to hear about their concerns, as I want to be an effective voice for all of Senate District #27 in the legislature.”
