Iowa's 3rd District

The 3rd Congressional District covers 12 counties in central Iowa, including Des Moines’s Polk County, and extending to the east.  The district is anchored in Des Moines, the state’s largest city and the region’s commercial, financial, and governmental center.  Many insurance companies are headquartered in Des Moines, such as The Principal Financial Group, Allied Insurance, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa, and FBL Financial Group, Inc.  Wells Fargo Financial is also headquartered in Des Moines, as is Meredith Corporation, publisher of Better Homes and Gardens and other magazines.  The remainder of the district is largely rural, but the small towns continue to thrive and house some giant manufacturing plants.  Pella is the home of Pella Corporation, maker of  Pella Windows and Doors, which employs approximately 3,000 workers.  Newton, in Jasper County, (population 15,000) is home to the Iowa Speedway.

Excellent educational institutions abound in the 3rd District.  Grinnell College of beautiful Grinnell, Iowa, ranks as one of the best liberal arts college in the country.  Pella, IA is home to Central College, as well as the famous Pella Tulip Time Festival.  Another excellent liberal arts college in the 3rd is Drake University, located in Des Moines.  Oskaloosa is home to William Penn College, founded by Quaker pioneers in 1873.  Vinton, located in the northern part of the district, is home to the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School.

In addition to the tourist destinations in Des Moines, each year thousands of tourists flock to the Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark tucked in the rolling hills in Iowa County.  The Amana Colonies consist of seven villages, founded nearly 150 years ago as a communal society.

I try to regularly travel to each county.  However, when scheduling conflicts do arise, my district representatives are readily available to hear and share your thoughts and concerns.   Please feel free to call my toll-free number at 1-888-432-1984.