Grant Hill

Grant Hill earned a high school diploma from Keota High School and an associate degree from Indian Hills Community College in 2017. His career experience includes working in business.

As of 2025, Hill was affiliated with 1 Love Legacy.[1]

U.S. House

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Iowa House of Representatives

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Grant Hill, and I'm running for the Iowa House of Representatives in District 88. I was raised with strong conservative values—faith, family, and hard work—but life taught me to see the world through a wider lens. After going to prison, I saw firsthand how broken our systems are—especially for those trying to rebuild. That experience gave me deep empathy and a firm belief in second chances.

I’ve managed restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and retail stores. I’ve worked in factories, landscaping, and nonprofits. I’ve earned close to six figures a year—and I’ve also lived on food stamps and Medicaid. I’ve seen every side of the system. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck, and I understand the struggles Iowa families face—because I’ve lived them all.

I’m not a polished politician. I’m a fighter with real-life experience who wants to bring accountability, transparency, and compassion to our state government. I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’ll show up in every town, listen to your concerns, and fight to make your voice heard at the Capitol. I believe our district deserves someone who’s not tied to party agendas but committed to serving the people. That’s what I offer.

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?

Real Experience, Real Representation

I've lived every side of life in Iowa—managing businesses, working blue-collar jobs, earning near six figures, to surviving on food stamps and Medicaid. I understand the struggles of District 88 because I’ve lived them. I'm not a career politician—I'm a working Iowan who will fight for everyday people.Redemption and Reform

My journey includes incarceration, and I’m not hiding from it. I’ve seen firsthand how broken our justice and rehabilitation systems are. I believe in second chances and in policies that help people rebuild—not keep them trapped. I’ll work for smart, compassionate reforms that reflect both accountability and mercy.Your Voice, Not My Agenda

Too many politicians focus on their own beliefs and careers. I’m committed to hearing YOUR voice. I will visit every town in our district, listen to your concerns, and take them to the Capitol. This campaign is about serving the people of District 88—not pushing a party line

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

1. Criminal Justice Reform – creating a system that focuses on rehabilitation, not just punishment. People deserve a real second chance, and I’ve lived the proof.

2. Mental Health and Addiction Services – expanding access to treatment over incarceration, and investing in recovery programs that deal with root causes.

3. Economic Opportunity – raising wages, supporting small businesses, and creating new ways for people to earn and build wealth, including through local job creation and incentives like plasma donation centers.

4. Religious Liberty – especially within institutions like prisons, where hope and faith can be a lifeline.

5. Government Transparency – pushing for open offices, accessible leaders, and policy shaped by real people.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Business of the 21st Century

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

The most important characteristics for an elected official are honesty, humility, resilience, and a servant’s heart. We don’t need more politicians who play it safe or speak in rehearsed soundbites—we need leaders who have lived real life, faced real failure, and still choose to stand up and fight for others.

An elected official should listen more than they speak, represent the people over their own agenda, and be willing to admit when they’re wrong. They should show up—in every town, every meeting, every tough conversation—and be transparent, accountable, and accessible.

Above all, they should never forget who they work for: the people.

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

I believe what makes me a strong candidate isn’t perfection—it’s perspective. I’ve experienced success, failure, incarceration, redemption, and rebuilding. I know what it’s like to live on food stamps and nearly six figures. I’ve run businesses, led teams, and worked hard jobs. That means I bring empathy, resilience, and grit—qualities many career politicians lack.

I’m also transparent, unafraid to speak the truth, and deeply committed to serving others over self. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I do have the willingness to listen, learn, and lead with humility. I want to be a voice not just for the privileged—but for everyday Iowans who’ve been overlooked, counted out, or silenced.

What sets me apart isn’t what I’ve avoided—it’s what I’ve overcome.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of an Iowa House Representative are to craft, debate, and pass laws that serve the interests of their district and the state as a whole. But the job is more than just voting at the Capitol—it’s about listening to constituents, understanding the challenges they face, and being a strong advocate for local needs in areas like education, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, and public safety.

Representatives are also expected to hold state agencies accountable, manage budgets responsibly, and fight for transparency in government. Ultimately, their duty is to be a voice for the people, not a puppet for political agendas.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my legacy to be proof that redemption is real—that someone who made serious mistakes, served their time, and chose to rise again can still create lasting, meaningful change. I want to show that your past doesn’t define your future, and that leadership can come from the most unexpected places.

More than anything, I hope to leave behind a legacy of hope, accountability, and compassion. I want to inspire others—especially the forgotten, the formerly incarcerated, and the struggling—to believe they still have a purpose. I want to change how we see justice, how we treat one another, and how we lead with love and truth.

If I can help open even one door for someone else to step into their calling, then my time in office will have been worth it.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is The Business of the 21st Century by Robert Kiyosaki. I read it my senior year of high school, and it completely changed how I saw the world. It opened my eyes to the power of entrepreneurship, passive income, and breaking free from the traditional “work until you die” mindset. That book helped spark the fire in me to build businesses, take risks, and believe I could create a different future—no matter where I started.

It taught me that ownership matters, and that ordinary people can build extraordinary legacies with the right mindset and work ethic.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Everyday Everywhere by Noah Kahan

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been overcoming my own past. I was convicted of a serious crime and served time in prison. That experience brought shame, loss, and isolation—but it also brought growth, self-reflection, and a deep sense of purpose. I saw firsthand how broken our justice system is, how hard it is to rebuild, and how society often gives up on people once they fall.

But I refused to stay down. I’ve worked every day to become better—not just for myself, but to be a voice for those who don’t get second chances. Turning that pain into purpose has been the hardest and most rewarding journey of my life.

That struggle gave me empathy, grit, and the fire to fight for those who’ve been counted out. It’s why I’m running—and it’s why I won’t stop.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is one built on respect, accountability, and collaboration—not blind loyalty or constant conflict. Both branches should challenge each other when needed, but always with the shared goal of serving the people of Iowa.

The governor should set a vision, but the legislature should represent the voice of the people in shaping how that vision is carried out. Lawmakers shouldn’t be rubber stamps, nor should they play political games just to score points. We’re elected to work together, not against each other.

I believe in open communication, transparency, and a willingness to find common ground—even with those we may disagree with politically.

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

I believe Iowa’s greatest challenges over the next decade include:

1. Workforce Retention and Development – Young people are leaving our state in search of better opportunities. We need to invest in skilled trades, technology training, and job creation to keep Iowa competitive and livable for the next generation.

2. Mental Health and Addiction – Our healthcare systems are overwhelmed, especially in rural areas. Without serious investment in mental health care and addiction recovery services, we’ll keep treating symptoms instead of healing root causes.

3. Corrections and Criminal Justice Reform – Our prisons are overcrowded and under-resourced. We must focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment—especially for nonviolent offenders—and hold our own Department of Corrections accountable.

4. Agricultural Resilience – As climate change and global markets evolve, we need to ensure our farmers have the tools, support, and freedom to thrive—while preserving Iowa’s land and water for future generations.

5. Government Trust and Transparency – People are losing faith in their leaders. We must rebuild trust through open offices, honest dialogue, and real accessibility—not just during campaigns, but every day in office.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes and no. A healthy legislature needs both. Those with previous government or political experience bring valuable knowledge of how the system works. But those without it often bring fresh ideas, real-life experience, and a deep connection to the struggles everyday people face.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12, “The body is not made up of one part but of many.” Just like in the Church, government works best when every part—every perspective, every background—has a role. We need both the experienced and the outsiders to build something strong and representative.

I believe the most important quality isn’t experience in politics—it’s a willingness to listen, learn, and lead with integrity. That’s how real change happens.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, absolutely. Building relationships with other legislators is essential to getting real work done. You can’t pass meaningful legislation without collaboration, trust, and honest dialogue—even with people you may disagree with.

Good policy doesn’t come from isolation—it comes from conversation, from finding common ground, and sometimes from learning something new by listening to someone else’s perspective. I believe in respectful debate, open minds, and servant leadership.

You don’t have to compromise your values to cooperate—you just have to remember that the goal is to serve the people, not your ego.

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

No, I don’t plan to model myself after any one legislator. I respect those who’ve come before me, but I believe it’s time to create a new path—one that proves it’s possible for someone like me, even with a criminal conviction, to make a lasting and meaningful impact.

I’m not running to follow in anyone’s footsteps. I’m running to show what redemption looks like, to give hope to those who’ve been counted out, and to remind Iowa that your past doesn’t disqualify you—your character and commitment define you.

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

Yes. I believe in long-term service and making an impact wherever I’m called. I do plan to run for both U.S. Congress and Governor of Iowa in the future. But right now, my focus is on earning the trust of the people in House District 88 and proving that someone with my background can lead with honesty, humility, and heart.

Real change doesn’t happen overnight—but I’m in this for the long haul, and I’m just getting started

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Not yet—but I’m looking forward to it. I believe the heart of public service is listening, and one of my top priorities is visiting every town in our district to hear directly from the people. I want to earn trust not just by speaking, but by showing up and listening to the real stories that shape our communities.

Everyone has a story worth hearing, and I’m committed to making sure those voices—not just politicians’ voices—are what guide my work in office.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, the legislature should absolutely oversee and grant the use of emergency powers. While emergencies may require swift action, no single branch of government should have unchecked authority—not even in a crisis.

The legislature represents the people, and emergency powers must be transparent, limited in scope, and time-bound, with regular oversight to ensure they aren’t abused or extended beyond necessity. Balance between the executive and legislative branches is crucial to maintaining trust and protecting constitutional rights—even during uncertain times.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce is the Findley Drug Testing Act. This legislation would require random drug testing of all Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) staff every two months, with zero tolerance for illegal substance use.

For too long, correctional officers have been allowed to operate with little oversight, and in some cases, have even contributed to the flow of drugs inside our prisons. I was personally told by IDOC leadership that some officers hadn’t been tested since they were hired—despite years of complaints and red flags. That’s unacceptable.

This bill is named in honor of Kathleen Findley, whose case exposed deep flaws in accountability within the prison system. It's time we hold those in power to the same standards we hold incarcerated individuals. Safety, integrity, and transparency should apply on both sides of the bars.

What committees interest you?

Judiciary Committee – to fight for criminal justice reform, ensure civil liberties, and support restorative justice efforts.

Public Safety Committee – to promote transparency in law enforcement and corrections, ensuring safety and accountability in our communities.

Health and Human Services Committee – to expand access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and vital services for low-income and working families.

Economic Growth or Commerce Committee – to champion small businesses, drive local job creation, and support innovative approaches to rural development.

Iowa Department of Government Efficiency Oversight – to cut waste, eliminate bloated bureaucracy, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly and transparently.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know exactly how their money is being spent and that their elected officials are working for them, not for special interests or personal gain.

I support open budgets, regular public reporting, and legislation like my proposed Open Office Act, which would require representatives to maintain regular in-district office hours and make all non-confidential communications available for public review. Too many politicians disappear after getting elected—I believe in showing up, staying accessible, and being held accountable.

Trust in government starts with truth. And I’m here to rebuild that trust, one honest decision at a time.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I believe a state ballot initiative process would be good for Iowa, if it’s done with clear safeguards to prevent abuse. Right now, too many decisions are made behind closed doors or by politicians who have forgotten who they represent. A ballot initiative process would give power back to the people, allowing them to directly shape policy on the issues that matter most.

That said, it must be transparent, fact-based, and protected from special interest manipulation. We need to make sure it uplifts the voices of everyday Iowans—not just those with money and influence.

Letting the people lead is never a bad idea. I trust Iowans to speak for themselves.