Jason Gearhart

Jason Gearhart served in the U.S. Army from 2004 to 2009. He earned a high school diploma from West Delaware High School and a bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University. Gearhart's career experience includes working as an environmental specialist. He previously served on the Strawberry Point City Council. He has also been a board member for the Strawberry Point Chamber of Commerce and the Jr. Stars Athletics Organization.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jason Gearhart. I'm a husband, father, U.S. Army veteran, and lifelong northeast Iowan. I grew up on a family farm near Dundee, where I developed an appreciation for agriculture, hard work, and rural Iowa.

My wife, Kayela, and I live in Strawberry Point with our two children, Jayden and Kendyl. Kayela is a fourth-grade teacher at Starmont, and I work as an Environmental Specialist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

I've spent much of my adult life in public service, including five years in the Army as a military police officer and investigator, four years on the Strawberry Point City Council, and service on the Starmont School Board. Since January 2025, I've had the opportunity to represent Iowa House District 64.

Outside of work and the Legislature, you'll find me coaching middle school girls basketball, cheering on my kids at their sporting events, hunting, or growing ridiculously large pumpkins in my backyard!

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?

Accessible, Responsive, and Invested in Our Communities:

I listen, show up, and respond. It doesn't matter who you are or what political party you belong to. Everyone deserves to have their voice heard. I hold public town halls, publish a weekly newsletter during the legislative session, and stay active on social media to keep constituents informed and accessible to those I represent. I also volunteer and participate in events throughout the district because these are my communities, too. I'm invested in their future, and I believe representing people means being present, listening to their concerns, and following through.A Lifetime of Service:

Public service has been a major part of my adult life. I'm a U.S. Army veteran who served five years as a military police officer and investigator. I've also served on the Strawberry Point City Council and Starmont School Board and now serve in the Iowa House.

My career as an environmental specialist with the Iowa DNR has given me firsthand experience working with communities, farmers, businesses, and local governments. I bring those experiences with me to the State Capitol.ural Iowa Roots and Real-World Experience:

I was born and raised in northeast Iowa and grew up on a family farm. Today, I'm a husband, father of two, and a middle school basketball coach.

My wife is a public school teacher, and our family is involved in the same schools and communities as the people I represent. Growing up in agriculture, working in public service, and raising a family in rural Iowa have shaped my understanding of the challenges facing our communities.

I believe in approaching those challenges with common sense, listening to different perspectives, and finding practical solutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a veteran, Iowa DNR environmental specialist, and someone who grew up on a farm, I am passionate about veterans' affairs, natural resources, and agriculture. I also believe in protecting our public schools, standing up for what is right, and challenging bad policy.

This year, after hearing from a constituent, I introduced legislation that helped secure $3 million annually for pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa.

That's how I approach public service. If you have a problem and a possible solution, bring them to me. We won't always agree, but I will always listen, hear you out, and give your concerns serious consideration

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My dad and grandpa. Growing up learning from them, instilling in me the values that I hold dear made me the man I am today.

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

For me its integrity! I grew up knowing what it meant to give someone your word and sealing it with a handshake. Staying true to my word and to my morals are very important to me.

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

To serve everyone in the district they represent. Even the ones that didn't vote for them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'm not here for pats on the back, or accolades.

If there's one legacy I'd like to leave, it's that I listened to the people I represented.

We don't have to agree on everything, but I want every constituent to know they had a voice and that I was willing to hear them out. I firmly believe a good idea can come from anyone, regardless of who they are or their political affiliation.

I don't know what I don't know, and that's why I encourage people to reach out, share their concerns, and bring me their ideas and solutions. I may not always have the answer, and we may not always agree, but I'll always listen.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I grew up on a farm but my first real job was at an 800 sow farrow to wean hog farm. I worked there for 4 or 5 years.

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

Everyone has their own internal struggles, and I'm no different. Life isn't always easy, and we all face challenges that others may know nothing about. I've learned that you never really know what someone else is going through. That's why I believe it's important to listen, treat people with respect, and give others a little grace. You don't have to know someone's story to show them kindness.

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

I believe the governor and legislature should have mutual respect for one another. We are separate, coequal branches of government, each with our own responsibilities and deserving of equal respect. We won't always agree on every issue, and that's okay. We should be able to have honest conversations, respectfully disagree, and work together to find common ground on the issues that matter most to Iowans.

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 will be our aging population, retaining our young people, and attracting new families and workers to our state.

Iowa has a lot to offer. We have low income tax rates, one of the lowest costs of living in the country, and a quality of life that many people are looking for. We need to do a better job of telling that story and giving young people a reason to stay, while encouraging others to make Iowa their home.

That also means having good jobs, affordable housing, strong schools, and thriving rural communities. I want our children to see a future for themselves right here in Iowa, and I want people from other states to recognize the opportunities and quality of life we have to offer.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Many times yes, but not always. There are some principles not worth compromising on. In my opinion it is better to let a bill die rather than allowing many amendments that drastically change something and make it worse.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

- NRA

- Stand for Health Freedom

- Iowa Corn Growers Association

- Iowa Farm Bureau

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

I was a freshman in college when 9/11 happened. It was 25 years ago but I can still remember it like it was yesterday.

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