Sarah Trone Garriott

Sarah Trone Garriott was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from Cloquet High School. Trone Garriott earned a B.A. in history from the College of St. Scholastica in 1999, an M.A. in theological studies from Harvard University Divinity School in 2003, and an M.Div. from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2008.[1][2][3][4]

Trone Garriott’s career experience includes working as a coordinator of interfaith engagement with the Des Moines Area Religious Council, as an associate pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa, and as a pastor of Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bergton, Virginia. She co-founded the Iowa Interfaith Exchange. She has been affiliated with the Lutheran Church ELCA and the Des Moines Area Religious Council Food Pantry Network[1][2][3][4]

Sarah Trone Garriott has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Sarah Trone Garriott asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Sarah Trone Garriott, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Sarah Trone Garriott to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing info@sarahforiowa.com.

Campaign websiteTrone Garriott's campaign website stated the following:Getting Washington working for us—not the political insidersI don’t come from a political dynasty or a corporate boardroom. I’ve spent my life working in service to others, often behind the scenes—whether that’s comforting a grieving family as a hospital chaplain, building relationships across faiths to combat hunger, or flipping a Republican-held district because the people of Iowa deserved better.Too many people in Congress spend their time looking out for themselves. I’ve authored legislation in Iowa to ban insider stock trading and impose term limits—because public service shouldn’t be a pathway to personal enrichment. We need to ban corporate PAC contributions, and in Washington, I’ll continue that fight by pushing for reforms that make government transparent, ethical, and focused on you. I’ll hold open town halls, answer your questions, and always be accountable. I’m not running to play the game. I’m running to change it.Growing our economy by investing in people, not special interestsOur economy should reward hard work, not hoarding wealth. But too often, it feels like the system is rigged against the very people who keep it running. Working families deserve the tools and opportunities to build a good life. In Congress, I’ll fight to raise wages and support local small businesses—not by writing blank checks, but by investing in apprenticeships, vocational schools, community colleges, and job training programs that prepare Iowans for high-skill, high-wage work. I’ll support policies that build out broadband access in rural areas and invest in infrastructure that connects people to opportunity. And I’ll go after the companies that exploit workers through wage theft or deceptive fees, because no Iowan should be cheated out of an honest day’s pay.Health care that’s affordable and there when you need itHealth care shouldn’t depend on your zip code or your income. When I served as a pastor in rural Virginia, the closest hospital was almost an hour away. Here in Iowa, I’ve watched rural hospitals close and mental health services disappear. To make healthcare accessible and affordable, we need to roll back the massive Medicaid cuts Zach Nunn voted for this year, which will cause 86,000 Iowans to lose their health insurance, and close rural hospitals and clinics. We also need to extend the ACA tax credits to keep insurance affordable for working families.In Congress, I’ll fight for common-sense solutions like allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices to lower costs and provide people with more choices. I’ll work to let more Iowans access care earlier through Medicare and roll back the disastrous cuts to Medicaid that Zach Nunn voted for. I’ll also expand mental health and substance use treatment and push for increased support for rural providers—because nobody should have to drive 90 miles or wait six months to see a doctor.Immigration that’s smart, fair, and reflects our valuesOur immigration system is broken, and Washington is making the problem worse—chaos at the border, dysfunction in the courts, and politicians deeply out of touch with the needs of our communities. Iowa is stronger because of the people who’ve made a home here and contributed to our community. But we also need a system that enforces the law and secures our borders. In Congress, I’ll push for comprehensive immigration reform that fixes our broken system: secures the border, streamlines legal pathways, protects Dreamers, and invests in preventing human trafficking and drug smuggling. We also need to ensure ICE is following the law, accountable to the American people, and protecting, not hurting, our communities. It’s long past time for solutions, not politics as usual, because the status quo is failing everyone.Making life more affordable—for all of usAcross Iowa, families are making tough choices. I’ve met parents who ration their medications so their kids can eat, and seniors who skip meals to pay their heating bills. I’ve lived it too—paying my way through college by cleaning hotel rooms and working retail.That’s why I’m committed to lowering costs in real, meaningful ways. This includes cracking down on corporate price gouging and ending the reckless tariff policy that is raising prices on ordinary families and wreaking havoc on Iowa’s economy. I am committed to expanding the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit to put money directly back in families’ pockets. We also need to eliminate junk fees and surprise medical bills, it is just common sense. It’s time our economy worked for Iowans again—not just corporations.Protect great public schools for every child, in every communityMy boys attend Iowa’s great public schools, and I see the difference dedicated teachers and strong school communities make every single day. However, I’ve also seen politicians attempt to play politics with schools and dismantle public education—diverting millions of taxpayer dollars to private school vouchers while rural schools are forced to consolidate or close altogether. In Congress, I’ll work to protect the Department of Education and the hundreds of millions of federal dollars that flow to Iowa classrooms each year. I’ll push to raise teacher pay, expand early childhood education, and make community college and trade programs available to all. Because when we invest in public education, we invest in a better future for all of us.Protecting Iowa’s land, water, and clean energy futureOur family farms, open spaces, and rivers are part of what makes Iowa special—and they’re under threat. I’ve worked with conservation groups across the state to protect clean water and expand access to public lands. As the Izaak Walton League’s Legislator of the Year, I’ve seen how bipartisan support can create meaningful change. In Congress, I’ll support investments in clean energy like wind, solar, and biofuels—which already power thousands of Iowa jobs—and I’ll work with farmers to promote sustainable practices that keep our soil healthy and our water safe. We can tackle climate change and strengthen our economy at the same time.Public safety is a top priorityEvery Iowan should feel safe in their community, their schools, and their workplace. My brother is a police officer, and I have a deep appreciation for our law enforcement and first responders. I also know that safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about prevention. That’s why I’ll support investing in what local law enforcement needs, more victim services, and community-based mental health response teams. I’ll work to hold dangerous criminals accountable and close loopholes that allow weapons to flood our streets. I’ll fight to fund school safety efforts that make students feel protected without turning classrooms into fortresses. Public safety means preventing crime, not just responding after it happens, to make communities safer for everyone.Reproductive freedom is personal—and non-negotiableI ran for office after a senator who supported an extreme abortion ban admitted he didn’t know what an ectopic pregnancy was. That moment told me everything about the stakes of this fight. Reproductive freedom isn’t abstract—it’s about whether you get to make decisions about your body and your future. In Congress, I’ll work to restore nationwide protections for abortion access and safeguard the right to contraception, IVF, and prenatal care. Politicians should not interfere with deeply personal medical decisions that should be made between patients, doctors, and family. This is about privacy, dignity, and respect.Serving our veterans like they served usOur veterans kept their promise to our country. In return, we need to keep our promises to them. I’ve heard from too many veterans in Iowa who are stuck waiting for appointments, denied the mental health support they need, or lost in a maze of bureaucracy. In Congress, I’ll work to expand access to VA services—especially in rural areas—and ensure our vets can access housing, education, and job training without jumping through hoops. I’ll also advocate for increased investment in suicide prevention and crisis response. Supporting veterans is our obligation.Standing up for your retirement and your healthToo many politicians treat Social Security and Medicare like bargaining chips. I see them for what they are: commitments we’ve made as a country to one another. As the daughter of parents who rely on these programs and a pastor who has counseled families through end-of-life care, I understand what’s at stake.That’s why I’ll never support cuts or privatization schemes—or attempts to weaken or eliminate IPERS here in Iowa for our public employees like teachers, firefighters, and police. Instead, I’ll fight to strengthen these programs—so every Iowan can retire with dignity, knowing they won’t have to choose between groceries and medicine. I’ll also work to expand access to Medicaid in our rural communities, where hospitals are closing and too many families are going without care.The right to organize and the dignity of workAs the only candidate in this race with a 100% lifetime voting record with the Iowa Federation of Labor, I will always stand with working people and the labor movement. Growing Iowa’s middle class depends on protecting the right to organize, collective bargaining, and to stand together for better pay, safer workplaces, and a secure retirement. In Congress, I’ll support passage of the PRO Act to strengthen and enforce these rights, and I’ll work to ensure strong enforcement of the Davis-Bacon Act so that federally funded infrastructure projects pay workers fair, prevailing wages. I believe in unions and apprenticeships because I believe in dignity—and that every Iowan deserves to share in the prosperity their labor creates.— Sarah Trone Garriott's campaign website (July 22, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign ads

[the profile publisher] did not come across any campaign ads for Sarah Trone Garriott while conducting research on this election. If you are aware of any ads that should be included, please email us.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased October 8, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have always felt a call to serve my community. It was what led me to join AmeriCorps as a VISTA volunteer, to support victims of domestic violence. It was what sustained me as a hospital chaplain, time and again walking into the worst moments of patient's lives. It was what inspired me to become a Lutheran minister (ELCA), to provide leadership to communities of faith. And it was what took me out of the parish and into the nonprofit world, to bring diverse people together around a common cause of caring for our neighbors in need of food assistance. And since 2020 I have been answering the call to serve my neighbors as a State Senator.

I was first elected to State Senate in 2020. In 2022 redistricting cut my district in half along the county line. I chose to sell my home, move to stay with the Dallas County portions of my district, and take on the State Senate President who called teachers "sinister." Now I must run again in 2024. But all the hard work and sacrifice is worth the effort. The people of Iowa deserve someone who will stand up for the things they care about and make sure their voice is heard in the Iowa legislature.

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?

Like a lot of people who live in this district, my family also counts on strong public schools for our children. The future of our state depends on our public schools.

I have a record of standing up for our public schools, educators, families, and students.

I opposed private school vouchers, book bans, the destructive AEA bill, and the misguided attendance policy. I filed bills to invest in early childhood education and voted to fund mental health supports in the schools. When the State Senate President called teachers “sinister,” I ran against him and defeated him.The right to make deeply personal, private reproductive health care decisions should belong to the Iowans themselves—not politicians. In the State Senate I have been a passionate advocate to protect our rights and improve access to reproductive care.

I sponsored legislation to protect the right to contraception, IVF, and abortion access. I argued against the Governor kicking thousands of Iowans off of Medicaid coverage for pregnancy and the year that followed. When our state passed one of the most extreme abortion bans in the nation, I was on the Senate floor sharing the stories of Iowans right up until the moment the Republican Majority cut off debate.I am an advocate for the economic policies that truly help our neighbors and build a stronger economy. I stand up for quality affordable child care, strong public schools, tax policies that are fair, higher wages, accessible health care, and a government that listens to regular Iowans—not out of state big money interests.

I know what it is like to be caught between child care bills that costs more than our mortgage and student loans. Even with two incomes our family has often struggled to make ends meet. Not only can I relate to the economic pressures that Iowans are facing, for years I have worked with the non-profits that are on the front lines assisting our neighbors.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

State legislators should be seeking more ways to involve the public in the decision-making process, not fewer. But limiting opportunity for public comment, passing bills in the middle of the night, and setting new restrictions on voter participation are all signs that our current Majority Party leadership isn’t interested in what Iowans have to say.

They do seem very interested in what big out-of-state money has to say.

Our democracy works when our legislators listen to their constituents. I bring my strong record of community engagement, clear communication, and transparency into the Senate for the benefit of the people. People know me as a legislator who shows up and really listens.

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

The book "Jayber Crow" by Wendell Berry is a book that I would recommend.

The main character thinks he wants to be a pastor, but drops out of seminary when he realizes that he does not have all the answers. He instead becomes a barber in a small town in Kentucky, digging graves to make some extra money. Over the course of his life he comes to realize that he has been pastor to the community, in more meaningful ways that the official pastor had been.

I never aspired to be a state senator. I just didn't think I was the politician type. But I work hard, care deeply, and I am committed to serving my community. I realized that these are the things that are truly needed in the role to do a good job for the people of Iowa.

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

Humility and curiosity.

State legislators may work on and vote on nearly any issue. We don't know everything--and some legislators need to be reminded they don't know everything. That's why it is so important for the public to have a voice in the process. One of the best things about being a State Senator is that I am constantly learning new things about my state.

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

Showing up is the primary job of a state legislator--it makes us better able to serve our states and keeps us accountable to the people.

When I was a hospital chaplain and later a parish pastor, I invested a lot of my time in getting to know my communities (the hospital, the rural communities I served). When I had built relationships and trust, my neighbors were more likely to reach out for assistance or to share their thoughts honestly. I was also better able to respond because I knew the resources. This is the same approach I take to serving in the state legislature.

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

McDonald's when I was 16. After I graduated I moved on to Wal-Mart for two years in college. Then Red Lobster...I have a lot of customer service and retail experience.

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

I believe in the separation of powers. It's important that the legislature and governor hold one another accountable on behalf of their constituents.

Right now Iowa does not have a separation of powers, so essential to protecting our democracy. The Governor spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to challenges members of her own party who stood against her private school voucher scheme. Now the Republican majority is a rubber stamp for any policy that the Governor puts forward, no matter how unpopular with the public: private school vouchers, dismantling the AEAs, an extreme abortion ban.

We need state legislators who are there to stand up for the people, not to do the Governor's bidding without question.

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

Too many are looking at the extreme policies coming out of state government and wondering if this is a place they want to call home. Every field is struggling to recruit and retain workers--I hear it from physicians to accountants to educators to trade workers. There are outright attacks on the things that we value: strong public schools, good wages, safe and respectful communities, and the right to make our own health care decisions. We must refocus the work of government on building up our state for the good of all, not tearing it apart in the name partisan politics.

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

Paul Wellstone: I admire his grassroots campaign, abundant energy, and hard work for the people of his state.

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

At this time my calling is to serve the people of Iowa as State Senator.

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?

I knock a lot of doors, and I am humbled by the stories that my constituents share with me. Recently I stood on the doorstep as a woman shared her heartbreaking story of pregnancy loss. At the 20 week scan, they were given the worst news. With tears streaming down her face, she said "I can't imagine being in that terrible position and having the government decide for me. In that moment it was incredibly important that the choice was mine."

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

The State Legislature should have oversight.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

One of the first bills I filed was to provide full day 4 year old pre-k education at every school in Iowa.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

https://www.sarahforiowa.com/endorsements

What committees interest you?

I serve on the following committees:

Commerce

Natural Resources

Education

and I am the ranking Democrat on Health and Human Services

I am honored to have the opportunity to work on such important matters

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are vital. We need legislators who will be vigilant and fight for it on behalf of the people. That is why I voted against a bill to prevent the State Auditor from auditing state government agencies. I was a vocal opponent of giving unlimited state dollars to private schools, pointing out that the voucher program offered tax payers no oversight as to how their money would be spent. I filed legislation to require the same level of transparency expected of public schools also for the private institutions and companies benefitting from the voucher program--but the Republican majority refused to give that bill a public hearing. When the Governor's administration started making changes to AEA services (firing Family Educators Partners and posting job positions) before her bill had even passed, I made it known to the public.

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

Iowa does not have direct referendum at the state level. I think it could be beneficial for our people, given how out of state our current Governor and legislature are with public opinion on public education, reproductive rights, and water quality.

When the Dallas County Supervisors refused year after year to expand the County Board from 3-5, the citizens were able to conduct a petition drive to put it on the ballot. This spring 15 cities sent a letter to the board asking them to expand the board and they did not even respond. The cities spent weeks collecting 5,000 signatures. As a result, this year the people of Dallas County will have a choice, and be able to hold accountable long-time politicians who ignored the public.

Sarah Trone Garriott did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Sarah Trone Garriott has devoted her life to making a difference. As an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, Sarah brought together legal aid, law enforcement, victim advocates, and faith leaders to assist survivors of domestic violence. As a hospital chaplain, Sarah supported patients, families, and staff during times of crisis. As a pastor of a small country church and later a large suburban congregation, Sarah guided her congregation to care for one another and the wider community. Today, Sarah is a non-profit leader for the area's largest food pantry network, coordinating non-profits, government agencies, businesses, and religious groups to address hunger in our community.

Frustrated with years of harmful legislation that was disconnected from the needs she saw in her community, Sarah decided to run for State Senate. Sarah will be a Senator who is personally invested in the challenges her neighbors face, bringing together community partners to create solutions that build on Iowa's strengths and reflect our values.

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?

Sarah is the parent of two children in the West Des Moines Public Schools, and has witnessed what a decade of miserably low funding has done in her children's classrooms. As Senator, Sarah will invest in our state's future by funding public education at the level it takes to be the best in the nation.Serving on the board of area nursing home, Sarah has seen the harmful impact of Medicaid Privatization on care institutions, providers, and patients. The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed how a broken healthcare system puts us all at risk. When elected, Sarah is committed to making quality, accessible healthcare a top priority for our state. Poor water quality and flooding are some of the most immediate ways that Iowans experience the impacts of the climate crisis. Like many in the district, Sarah worries about the safety of the water coming out of her tap or how spring flooding will put her neighbors' property, or even their lives, at risk. As a Senator, Sarah will continue her work of building partnerships to address big problems like climate change.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about all the issues noted above, as well as many intersecting issues impacting the lives of my neighbors: wages, workplace safety, reproductive health care, religious and cultural diversity, gun violence, mental health, racial and gender equity, GLBTQ concerns, and fair and appropriate taxation. From working for a food pantry network and addressing issues of poverty every day, I know too well that we have a long way to go in our state to ensure a standard of health, well-being, safety, and opportunity for all our neighbors. I will always gauge our progress by the measure of how the most vulnerable are faring. As Paul Wellstone said, "We all do better when we all do better." That is why I am passionate about spending time building relationships across difference, and listening to the many diverse perspectives about what life is like for the people in my community.

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

I look up to Paul Wellstone. I grew up in Minnesota, and he was my Senator. Even as a high school student I understood his grassroots effort to get elected. When I was a senior in High School I traveled to DC for a school trip, and got to ride in an elevator with him. He was literally running from one thing to another like his campaign ad. I could see how hard he was working, and his love for his constituents. I still feel so sad every October around the time that he and his wife died.

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

The book Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. Leadership means being present to the people and caring for them. It does not mean coming to the role with all the answers.

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

We are elected representatives. We must be present, listening, and accountable to the people we serve.

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

My diverse experiences make me particularly adept at building relationships and partnerships. Most of my life is coordinating collaborations and bringing stakeholders together for better outcomes.

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

To communicate: both listening to constituents and keeping constituents informed about the work of the legislature.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want Iowa to be regarded as a place where all people can build a life and find opportunity.

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

I remember the Challenger tragedy. I was 8 years old.

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

I worked at McDonald's in High School, about the time I got my first car. I worked there for about a year, often working from 4am to 1pm on the weekends, I started at $4.15 an hour. It was hard work. I don't think people give fast food industry workers enough credit or respect.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry (see previous question)

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

Wonder Woman

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

Galileo by the Indigo Girls

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

It was difficult to put myself through college and graduate school. I always worked - sometimes nearly full time - and have only recently paid back all my student loans. No one should be shut out of opportunity because they don't have parents who can provide an education.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

At present the State Senate has been the most radical chamber (and most disconnected from the voters). I think the Senate has a call to take a bigger picture view of the state, but not one that is removed from the needs of its people.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for