GOP state Sen. Roby Smith to run for Iowa state treasurer, challenging Democrat Mike Fitzgerald
Republican state Sen. Roby Smith is running for Iowa state treasurer, he announced Thursday, challenging longtime incumbent Democrat Mike Fitzgerald.
Smith, who lives in Davenport with his wife and four children, has served in the Iowa Senate since 2011 and currently chairs the state government committee.
"Our economy, especially banking, is undergoing changes," Smith said in a news release. "Iowa needs a treasurer who understands the challenges of the 21st century and is willing to protect Iowans from a Biden administration that is determined to invade our financial privacy."
The state treasurer is responsible for investing and managing Iowa's state pension funds, investing billions in state operating funds and managing several other investment-related programs.
Fitzgerald is the longest-serving state treasurer in the nation. He was first elected in 1982 and is currently serving his 10th four-year term. He plans to seek reelection next year.
In a statement, Fitzgerald pointed to his work launching, overseeing and expanding programs like the state's 529 college savings program, the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, which allows Iowans to recover unclaimed property, and the IAble program to help Iowans with disabilities save money.
"I know that my work is not done and I am running for reelection next year," Fitzgerald said in the statement. "While I am proud of the accomplishments of the past, I’m focused on my agenda in the next term."
More: Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, announces 2022 re-election campaign
Smith has a business administration degree from Concordia University and worked as a local banker in the Davenport area before becoming a small business owner and running for the Legislature, he said in a news release announcing his candidacy.
In the Senate, Smith has spearheaded several changes to Iowa's election laws, including shortening the early voting period, closing polls earlier on Election Day and restricting county auditors' discretion over how elections are run in each county. That legislation made him a polarizing figure and Senate Democrats have said Smith's Senate District 47 will be one of their top targets next year.
In the news release, Smith touted legislation he led to Iowa's 529 college saving programs that extended the time period when families could contribute to their child's account while still receiving a tax benefit.
More: Democrat Rob Sand to seek reelection as Iowa state auditor, won't run for governor in 2022
The field of statewide candidates is taking shape following the approval of Iowa's new state legislative and congressional boundaries last month.
This week, State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democrat, and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, a Republican, announced they are seeking reelection. Attorney General Tom Miller, a Democrat, is also running for another term.
Meanwhile, Democratic county auditors Joel Miller of Linn County and Eric Van Lancker of Clinton County are running for Iowa secretary of state. Republican incumbent Paul Pate has not announced his plans.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: GOP state Sen. Roby Smith to run for Iowa state treasurer
