(Noble) Cass County supervisor, former wrestling coach, educator, and community leader Steve Baier, a Republican from Griswold, defeated Democrat Tripp Narup, of Villisca, for Iowa Senate District #9 after Senator Tom Shipley retired. Baier received 16,127 votes, while Narup garnered 7,778.
Baier said in a press release announcing his intention to run for the seat. “Over the last several years, I have been proud to serve my community as a county supervisor and solve the problems of our local community. I enjoy tackling problems to help make our community better, and I want to bring that principle to the Iowa Senate to address the issues our state is facing.
“I care a lot about our small towns and rural areas, and I have wanted to do my part to make them better. I am running for Iowa Senate so I can build on the legislature’s accomplishments and keep advocating for the rural communities I care about so deeply.
Retiring Senator Tom Shipley offered his support for Baier’s candidacy. “I have known Steve for many years dating back to my time on the school board, and we have worked together over that time to support our rural communities,” said Senator Shipley. “He’s a hard worker, solutions-focused, and cares a lot about southwest Iowans and their families. I know he will do a great job taking his work ethic to the Iowa Senate and working to not just make our district better, but the entire state.”
Baier has served as the chair of the Cass County Board of Supervisors for the last several years. He is president of the Noble Initiative Foundation, which supports local families and parents seeking high-quality childcare, including building a $3 million childcare center in Griswold. He also dedicated his life to education, teaching chemistry and physics for over 25 years.
Baier lives in the house where his grandfather bought the farm in 1943 and continues to farm on that land today. He also served as a leader at the Noble United Methodist Church. He and his wife now attend United Church of Hope in Elliott.
Iowa Senate District #9 includes the counties of Cass, Montgomery, Adams, Taylor, Page, Ringgold, and a large portion of Union County.
