Cynthia Oppedal Paschen

Cynthia Paschen earned a high school diploma from Ames High School and a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University in 1982. Her career experience includes working as a journalist and at the Ames Public Library.[1][2]

Cynthia Paschen has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a journalist and community activist running to give rural Iowans a voice in Des Moines.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

We must fully fund public schools and Area Education Agencies (AEAs.) Private school vouchers are a scam.Iowans deserve privacy in their medical decisions. Politicians have no business meddling in our reproductive health care.I will fight to stop the Summit carbon capture pipeline.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education, Reproductive freedom, Clean water.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials must have the ability to have conversations with folks different from them and treat others with respect. "My way or the highway" is not working in Iowa.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My journalism training has taught me how to ask hard questions, find answers and how to tell other folks' stories. My 24 years as a hospice volunteer taught me a great deal about the power of stories, and the legacies we leave when we are gone.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Restoring our public schools.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Gov. Bob Ray was a progressive, open-minded leader with great character and integrity.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Iowa State Education Association, Moms Demand Action/Everytown for Gun Safety, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood of Iowa PAC.

Cynthia Paschen did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.