Nicholas Gluba

Nicholas Gluba was born in Iowa City, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006 to 2012. Gluba graduated from Williamsburg Community School. He earned a military citation from the Marine Corps Institute in 2008. His career experience includes working in transportation and serving as an operations manager, production leader, and chef.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Nicholas Gluba, lifelong resident of Iowa outside of time served in the United States Marine Corps. I am a twice elected City Council member, a member of the ECICOG board, and have worked with Iowa rural housing development and also the Iowa Clean water program.

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?

I am going to end emminent domain abuse at the state level with the reintroduction of the previous bill that passed the Iowa house and senate and was vetoed by our governor.I am going to fix the property tax situation in Iowa by fundamentally changing how property is taxed using a fair purchase price method in lieu of the current county assessor method bringing home and property taxes back to a number agreed upon by the purchaser for the value of a home or property.I am going to gather the teacher of the state to bring our schools back to the number one spot of education instead of the decline we have experienced in the last 30 years falling from number one to number 26.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My personal passion of policy is to guarantee the personal and property rights of all Iowans and place blocks that will prevent personal rights being stripped in the future.

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

Honesty and transparency

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

To ensure the lives of Iowans become objectively better

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

Dishwasher in a restaurant in Amana, Iowa, I held that job until being promoted to salads and then line cook.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

Ensuring the preservation of property rights.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

If an individual line of a bill would negatively affect the lives and prosperity of the bill but overall the bill is good a line-item veto could potentially be viable.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

Only in emergencies that going through Congress is not possible because time is pressing.

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

9/11

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Nicholas Gluba, a former marine and lifelong resident of Iowa. In the USMC I was a machine gunner in the infantry seving on ship and also in the middle east during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a part of the global ear on terror. I am a regular blue collar worker of multiple jobs. I am a production lead and group leader at a warehouse in North Liberty for whirlpool appliances as well as the Chef for the Price Creek Event Center in Amana, Iowa. Along with those jobs I am also a city council member for the town of Lone Tree. I am no stranger to service to the people of Iowa or the nation and have done so most of my life. I am the type of person that sees a problem and makes every attempt to rectify the issues causing it. That is why I joined the Marine Corps after September 11th 2001, that is the reason I joined city council here in my small town of Lone Tree, and that is the reason I intend to serve in the US Congress. We as a citizen of Iowa and the United States are facing many problems that our government has exacerbated over the years and plans to pass down to our children and their children. Without a fundamental significant change in how our country is run I fear our country will hit a breaking point soon that we may not be able to recover from. The people of Iowa and the nation have seen this as well and many have decided to look outside of the two party system that has placed our country in this downward spiral. I hope to help us recover from this system.

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?

I am extremely anti war. I served in a war and saw the horrors involved in it both physical and mental. The tolls of war on my generation are immense and I would hate to see our children go through the same traumas we did. Along with the cost of the people that served in wars there is also an astronomical financial cost inherent in military intervention. We spent trillions to have military intervention around the world that served no purpose but to line the pockets of war profiteers, they didn't better the lives of the US forces that served, they didn't better the lives of the countries we invaded, and they definitely did not benefit the lives of civilians in the United States. We need to stop this useless spending and focus on the US.Anti eminent domain for the profit of private enterprise. We in Iowa have seen abuses of eminent domain thoroughly throughout the state. Whether it is used for Carbon pipelines, oil and gas pipelines, or even windmills the use of eminent domain to give legally held lands of the people to a corporation is flat out wrong. The republican and democratic parties have both abused this power to steal the land held by the farmers that grow our food. At a federal level I hope to strike down any bill that makes the use of eminent domain fiscally viable to de-incentivize corporations from attempted use so that residents of Iowa no longer need to fear the government stealing their lands to give it to a multi billion dollar corporation.I plan to work with other representatives and senators to restructure the federal government back to what the founders of our country intended. Our federal system is meant to have a series of checks and balances to ensure no one branch of government became too powerful. The federal government has granted the executive branch too much power that has caused a break in our system of checks and balances. That is the reason people now fear which candidate takes the office of POTUS. If we rebalanced those powers and stripped the executive branch back down to where the framers of the constitution intended people would need no longer fear whether their candidate of choice or another were to take the office.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about our foreign policies. We have been funding countries outside of our borders far too much for far too long. Whether it be through military intervention or financial aid to other countries. We as a nation do not have the means to do so financially. We are sitting at over 35 trillion dollars of debt. The other major parties have both decided to ignore this problem and pass it along to future generations. At current levels our payment for our debt is the number one expenditure for the federal government and it increases daily. We are on track at current spending to hit 40 trillion dollars in merely five years time, however, the other major parties have both said they intend to increase spending lowering that timeline.

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

I look up to my grandparents the most of all the people I have ever known. These are people that I see as the most successful of anyone. They grew up from extremely modest backgrounds to live a full and happy life. They are not wealthy by fiscal means but are the wealthiest people I know by more important metrics. They have a house that they own and have the ability to see the four children, see their twelve grandchildren, and their seven and counting great grandchildren.

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

The Ethics of Liberty by Murray Rothbard

Realizing Freedom by Tom Palmer

Governing Least by Dan Moller

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

By far the most important characteristics of an elected official are honesty, transparency, ability to listen to constituents, ability to act of what their constituents have told them, and their trustworthiness. An official that is dishonest cannot be trusted. An official that is not transparent about their intentions and their policies is our specifically for their own personal gain. An official that doesn't listen to their constituents has no business being in any office as they obviously have no interest in working for their people. An official that does not act of what their constituents have told them is effectively not doing their job. These are the key pillars of what any elected official should be doing.

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

I am very open to listening to what the constituents want from their elected representatives. I will take all action I can to represent them in all ways I can.

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

The core responsibility is to listen to their constituents and act on what they have heard. If the majority of citizens want specific legislation it is the duty of the elected official to do whatever they can to enact aforementioned legislation. They must work with other elected officials to make a bill that benefits the people or to shoot down a bill that is detrimental to their people.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I desire to leave a legacy of an honest and attentive repsentative of Iowans to the federal government.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

When I was a teenager was when September 11th 2001 occurred. That is the earliest and most impactful historical event of my life.

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

I grew up on a ranch near Parnell Iowa. That would effectively be my first job and as my family still owns that ranch I am still there when they call.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The entirety of the works of Tolkien.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Link from the Legend of Zelda series. A true hero of the people driven by courage to do what is right.

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

It's Hell Down Here by the Amity Afflcition.

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

My personal struggles have been vastly stemmed from service in the war in Iraq. Dealing with the mental tolls placed on my friends and myself both during service and afterwards.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

It is a governmental body of the people to represent the population.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I have trained marines to shoot machine guns that barely knew how to shoot a rifle. I have taught chefs to be some of the best in their fields that couldn't make a roux when we started. I have trained some of the best forklift operators I have seen that didn't even know how to drive a car. All things are teachable and all things can be learned so long as a good teacher has a receptive student.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Facing our national debt will be an incredible challenge. Our federal must make cuts now before we are forced to cut everything very soon.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Simply because it is a purely population dictated seat in federal government it should be limited thus giving lower population areas some effective ability to stand on equal ground to higher population areas.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe firmly in term limits. Many government officials have sat in their seats far too long and have become complacent in their position. Relying entirely on being an incumbent to retain their seat.

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

Thomas Massie, he is not afraid to stand on his morals and policies even when they directly contradict that party he was elected to office with.

Both sitting representatives 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?

I have heard many stories from the thousands of people I have spoken with personally throughout the district. I think the stories that have been the most impactful to myself have been the stories I hear from my fellow veterans and our service overseas. What things specifically they had to deal with after they returned home especially.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

We will not need to raise revenue is we stop wasting money at the federal level.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Through multi party and independent committees. All investigations should be as non partisan as possible in our partisan system.

What committees interest you?

Agriculture, budget, and armed services are the primary committees I have interest in.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

The finances of the government must be 100% transparent and accountability must be maintained at all times to help our nation heal from the debt crisis we face.

Campaign website

Gluba's campaign website stated the following:

Anti-War

Non-Interventionism

Respecting National Sovereignty

End the Era of Regime Change and Endless Wars

The United States should focus on defending its own borders and protecting its citizens, not policing the world. Nicholas believes in the principle of non-interventionism: respecting the sovereignty of other nations while expecting the same in return. It’s time to end unnecessary foreign entanglements that drain resources, cost lives, and destabilize entire regions.

Bring the Troops Home

Prioritizing National Defense Over Foreign Occupations

Strong at Home, Cautious Abroad – America’s Security Starts Here

Decades of foreign wars have taken a toll on our service members, families, and national finances. Nicholas advocates for bringing U.S. troops home from bases scattered across the globe and focusing on a defense-first military. The goal should be clear: defend American soil, protect our allies through treaties, and avoid needless foreign interventions.

Diplomacy

Trade Over Military Force

Engage the World with Open Markets and Open Dialogue

Nicholas believes that peaceful commerce and diplomacy are the best ways to foster global stability. Instead of relying on military might, we should focus on trade agreements that benefit all parties, maintaining diplomatic channels, and encouraging cultural exchange. By leading with diplomacy, we avoid conflict while still standing firm on protecting American interests.

Constitutional War Powers

No More Unchecked Executive Authority

Congress Must Reclaim Its Constitutional Role in War Declarations

The Constitution grants Congress—not the president—the power to declare war. Yet for too long, presidents of both parties have bypassed this check on executive power, involving the U.S. in conflicts without proper oversight. Nicholas will work to ensure that any decision to go to war requires a formal declaration by Congress, as intended by our Founders.

Cutting the Military-Industrial Complex

Ending Wasteful Spending

Stop the Endless Flow of Taxpayer Dollars to Defense Contractors

The military-industrial complex has fueled unnecessary wars and ballooned the national debt. Nicholas will push to audit defense spending, eliminate waste, and cut unnecessary military programs that do nothing to enhance our security. Our defense budget should be focused on defending America, not enriching defense contractors.

Defending Civil Liberties in the Fight Against Terrorism

Protecting American Rights at Home While Fighting Terrorism

Nicholas opposes overreaching surveillance programs and civil liberties violations that have been justified in the name of fighting terrorism. True security doesn’t come at the cost of our freedom. We can protect Americans without sacrificing the constitutional rights that make us free.

Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability

Restoring Fiscal Sanity

Balanced Budgets and Responsible Spending

It’s time to stop kicking the can down the road and start tackling the out-of-control spending that’s mortgaging our children’s future

Nicholas supports passing a balanced budget amendment that forces Congress to live within its means. No more reckless borrowing to fund endless wars, corporate handouts, or bloated government programs. Fiscal responsibility isn’t just about cutting waste—it’s about making sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, with transparency and accountability.

Ending Corporate Welfare and Cronyism

Washington has become a revolving door of favors for special interests. Nicholas will fight to end the corrupt practices that put corporate profits ahead of the public good

Nicholas will push to eliminate subsidies, bailouts, and tax loopholes that benefit powerful corporations at the expense of taxpayers. True free-market principles demand a level playing field where businesses succeed based on innovation and value, not political connections.

Holding Government Accountable

Transparency and Citizen Oversight

It’s time to shine a light on the backroom deals and shady practices that have eroded trust in government

Nicholas will advocate for comprehensive transparency reforms, including requiring every government contract, grant, and subsidy to be publicly accessible online. He also supports independent audits of federal agencies to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.

Making True Democratic Negotiations Possible

Breaking the Two-Party Stranglehold

The current bipartisan system isn’t about solving problems—it’s about maintaining power. Bringing in a third-party voice will force real negotiations that put people over politics

The two major parties have perfected the art of gridlock, using polarization to distract from their shared failures. By electing Libertarians like Nicholas, voters can break the monopoly of power and create a dynamic where real solutions can be negotiated. Third-party influence will make it harder for partisan leaders to play the blame game and easier to find common ground on fiscal discipline, government accountability, and protecting individual rights.

Property Rights

Ending Federal Market Manipulation

No More Tax Credits and Subsidies for Corporate Land Grabs

Washington is funding the theft of your land through backdoor subsidies and tax credits that only benefit powerful corporations

Nicholas will fight to end federal tax credits, grants, and subsidies that prop up crony capitalist projects like CO2 pipelines and wind turbine farms. These incentives are the lifeblood of corporations and their political donors who use government money to strip land from rightful owners. A free market should not involve government favoritism that forces Iowans to give up their property for the benefit of private interests. It’s time to dismantle the mechanisms that fuel these land grabs.

Protecting Landowners from Eminent Domain Abuse

Your land is not for sale, and it’s certainly not for the government to take

Nicholas supports legislation that would make it illegal to use eminent domain to take private property. The abuse of eminent domain is one of the most egregious forms of government overreach. By protecting property rights, Nicholas stands with landowners who refuse to be bullied or bought out by government force.

Banning Civil Asset Forfeiture

Restoring the Principle of ‘Innocent Until Proven Guilty’

No one should have their property seized without due process. It’s time to end the abuse of civil forfeiture

Nicholas supports making civil asset forfeiture illegal unless a property owner is convicted of a crime. The current system allows law enforcement agencies to take property without even charging someone with a crime, turning “innocent until proven guilty” upside down. This corrupt practice targets the most vulnerable, incentivizing policing for profit rather than justice.

Supporting True Property Rights Legislation

We must ensure that every American’s property rights are sacrosanct and protected from government and corporate overreach

Nicholas will back comprehensive property rights legislation that makes it harder for any level of government—federal, state, or local—to seize private property. This includes reforms that prevent special interest groups from colluding with government agencies to push landowners out of their homes and off their land.

Medical Freedom and Individual Rights

Preserving Medical Freedom

No Government Overreach in Personal Healthcare Choices

The government shouldn’t be deciding what’s best for you or your family. Medical decisions belong in your hands, not in the hands of bureaucrats

Nicholas opposes one-size-fits-all mandates that trample individual rights. He will fight to ensure that no government agency or official can force medical treatments, procedures, or lockdowns on Iowans. Your health decisions should be yours alone.

Standing Against Lockdowns and Coercive Mandates

Nicholas believes in empowering Iowans, not locking them down.

Nicholas will always fight those who supported heavy-handed restrictions, stand for your right to live and work freely

Nicholas is committed to pushing back against any future attempts to impose blanket lockdowns, mask mandates, or vaccine requirements. He believes in trusting the public to make informed decisions rather than using fear to justify government overreach.

Respecting Individual Rights in Healthcare

Your body, your choice—without government interference

Nicholas stands firmly against any government interference that overrides individual medical autonomy. He supports legislation that limits government involvement in healthcare decisions, allowing patients and their doctors to determine what’s best for them without outside coercion.

Protecting Privacy and Choice

Healthcare decisions should be private

The government has no right to track, monitor, or penalize citizens based on their personal medical choices

Nicholas will advocate for privacy protections to prevent the government from collecting or sharing citizens’ medical information without consent. He supports legislation to safeguard patient privacy and ensure that your medical decisions remain confidential.[18]

—Nicholas Gluba's campaign website (2024)[19]