India May
From Ballotpedia
India May (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 58. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
May completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
India May earned an associate degree from Labette Community College in 2017. Her career experience includes working as a nurse, library director, and medical examiner investigator.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2026
Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Iowa House of Representatives District 58
India May is running in the general election for Iowa House of Representatives District 58 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | India May (D)  | |
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
India May completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by May's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I’m a mom, registered nurse, county death investigator, librarian, and disability rights advocate with deep roots in rural Iowa. As the granddaughter of a farmer, I was raised to value hard work, caregiving, and the kind of community where folks look out for one another. I’m running for Iowa House District 58 to give everyday Iowans a voice — not just the well-connected. Whether it’s health care, education, land rights, or local business, I’ll fight to put our communities first.
- I’ll fight to restore and protect rural health care. As a nurse and death investigator, I’ve seen the cost when clinics close and services disappear. I’ll work to expand access to care, defend Medicaid, and keep health care local — so no Iowan has to drive over an hour to see a doctor or get mental health support.
- I will stand up for public schools and the families they serve. Our schools are the heart of our small towns — but the state keeps underfunding them while sending public dollars to private schools. I’ll fight to restore the AEA, fully fund rural schools, stop micromanaging teachers and librarians, and protect every kid’s right to a quality education.
- I will defend the programs working Iowans and veterans count on. From cutting unemployment benefits to defunding the Iowa Veterans Home, politicians are turning their backs on the very people they were elected to serve. I’ll fight for the VA, fair wages, and the social safety net that keeps our communities strong.
I’m passionate about public policy that puts people first, especially in areas where corrupt lobbyists and monopolies are bulldozing our people. As a nurse and caregiver, I’m committed to expanding access to affordable, local health care and protecting disability rights. As a parent and librarian, I care deeply about fully funding public education and supporting the educators who shape our future. I’m also focused on defending public services like Veterans’ Affairs, mental health support, and rural development programs that help small towns not just survive, but thrive. At the core, I believe policy should serve working people — not corporate interests or political insiders.
Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering physician, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate who served as a surgeon during the Civil War. She was one of the first female surgeons in US history. She challenged gender roles, often wearing men’s clothing (she said it was for hygienic reasons and I can’t fault her for that), and was awarded the Medal of Honor for her bravery and dedication. Walker’s life represents grit and audacity in service to others for equality and justice. If I have a teaspoon of her courage, I’ll serve this role with honor.
I’d recommend "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck because it shows the strength of working families facing tough times, which touched my heart. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee inspired me to stand up for what’s right regardless of the risk. And "Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century" edited by Alice Wong, shares powerful stories from people with disabilities that lit a fire in me to build a more fair world for everyone.
The most important qualities for an elected official are humility, integrity, and a genuine willingness to listen and learn from the people they serve. Good leadership means acknowledging that no one has all the answers and being open to new ideas and perspectives. An effective representative must be accountable, compassionate, and committed to doing the hard work of understanding community needs before making decisions. Above all, leadership is about service — putting people first and always striving to learn how to serve them better.
I bring empathy, resilience, and an intense commitment to service. I listen carefully, work diligently, and approach challenges with both compassion and practicality. My background has given me a firsthand understanding of the struggles many Iowans face, and I’m dedicated to representing their voices with integrity.
The core responsibilities of someone elected to the Iowa House include showing up and listening to the people the representative serves, representing their interests with honesty and transparency, and working collaboratively to create policies that improve the lives of all Iowans. This office demands a commitment to serving rural communities by prioritizing health care, education, and infrastructure. It also requires standing up to corruption and ensuring that government remains accountable and accessible to everyday people. Above all, an elected official must be a reliable advocate who shows up, follows through, and puts the needs of their district first.
I want to be remembered as a person with an incorruptible spirit, who did what’s right even if it was hard, scary, or seemed impossible. More than anything, I want my family and my community to remember that I showed up for them with courage and a genuine heart to make life better for everyone.
The first major historical event I remember happened in my hometown when I was 9. I stood outside my church one evening in April and watched a tornado touch down. It destroyed my hometown’s Main Street, but miraculously caused no deaths. It took years for our town to recover and it still bears a few scars, but witnessing the community come together in the face of such destruction left a deep impression on me. It showed me the strength that comes from helping one another during difficult times.
My first job was a video production gig at age 17, creating educational content for the University of Kansas in partnership with Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK). I demonstrated how to set up and use assistive equipment for infants and toddlers with disabilities. I grew up volunteering with ATK and Southeast Kansas Independent Living. I still do this work for advocacy and education to this day. I’m currently working on a video series for ATK that teaches people with dual diagnoses (intellectual disability and mental illness) about meal planning, hydration, and internet safety. In many ways, this work has shaped who I am.
Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli has stuck with me since elementary school. It’s written in such an accessible and poignant way that children can learn about the Holocaust and truly connect with its anti-racist theme and the importance of remembering history through the eyes of those who lived it.
I aspire to be like Mary Poppins. She arrives exactly when she’s needed, helps people with wit and grace, tolerates no wrongdoing, and leaves having made the room a little brighter.
My Shot from the Hamilton soundtrack. My daughter and I listen to it almost every day right now.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been fear. There were times I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family or succeed, but facing those fears pushed me to keep going, to work harder, and to accept help. That experience made me more determined to fight for families who are facing their own deepest fears every day.
I believe the relationship between the governor and state legislature should be one of mutual respect, genuine collaboration, and vigilant oversight. The governor proposes a vision, and the legislature builds on it through collaborative debate, civic engagement, and accountability, always ensuring policy serves Iowans, not special interests. While each branch has its own responsibilities, they should work together to solve problems and serve the people of Iowa, not score political points. The legislature must act as a check on executive power. Recent events, such as the veto of a bipartisan eminent domain bill and ongoing questions about transparency in state auditing processes, underscore the need for trust between branches of government and Iowans. I believe these moments are opportunities to strengthen collaboration and reaffirm the public’s right to understand how decisions are made and how public funds are used. If elected, I’ll work to build bridges where possible. I’ll also stand firm in protecting my constituents, especially on issues like land rights, rural investment, and government oversight. I believe Iowans deserve leadership that listens, respects the legislative process, and keeps the people’s interests front and center.
Over the next decade, I believe Iowa’s greatest challenges will center on access — access to health care, to public education, to opportunity in rural communities, and to a government that listens and serves the people. As a nurse, I’ve seen how rural hospitals and clinics are under-resourced or flat-out shut down, leaving Iowans without reliable care. Only 1/3 of our counties have a Labor & Delivery unit for our mothers and babies. As a librarian and parent, I’m deeply concerned about the erosion of public education through underfunding and political interference that undermines trust in our schools. Our rural towns in District 58 are shrinking as young people leave in search of opportunity. We must invest in rural housing, healthcare, child care, and small business support to help communities thrive. I also believe strongly in government transparency and accountability. Iowans deserve to know how decisions are made and how their tax dollars are spent. And finally, we must claw back the civil rights and protections so that every Iowan can participate fully in public life. Meeting these challenges will require leadership that listens, learns, and relentlessly places people over profit.
Previous experience is valuable in any field, and that includes public service. But there are many ways to develop the skills needed for effective leadership outside of politics. I believe that caregivers who’ve made tough decisions with duty and compassion have the kind of judgment and perspective that policymaking needs. My experience as a nurse, librarian, and single mom who has experienced lie below the poverty line while working full-time, I bring lived experience that’s often missing from the halls of government. We need a legislature that reflects the full diversity of Iowans in background, values, and way of life. A healthy democracy benefits from both experienced lawmakers and new voices working together to solving real problems.
Absolutely. Building rapport with other legislators is essential to getting things done. Trust and communication across the aisle make it possible to find common ground, share ideas, and pass meaningful legislation. I’ve already started connecting with current representatives because I’ve got a lot to learn from those already serving. I’m committed to working with anyone who’s serious about improving the lives of Iowans, especially in our rural communities.
One legislator I admire and seek to model myself after is Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand. He has earned a reputation for his dedication to transparency, accountability, and putting the interests of everyday Iowans first. Despite political challenges, he approaches his work with integrity and a bipartisan spirit, focusing on practical solutions rather than partisan politics. I aim to bring that same commitment to honest, common-sense public service, ensuring that government works efficiently and fairly for all constituents.
To be frank, I’m not in this to build a political career. I’m running because I care about people in my district who are being wronged. I believe we need more leaders who are willing to stand up to corruption and dysfunction in our system, not become part of it. At this time, I do not have ambitions to climb any ladder in politics.
One of my library patrons has an autoimmune condition that leaves her too sick to work, but she was denied disability benefits. Because of Iowa’s new Medicaid work requirements, she will lose her health coverage. I help her make copies, mail paperwork, and call agencies to advocate for herself, but the system is stacked against people like her. I worry about her and people like her in my district falling through the cracks because policy doesn’t reflect real-life struggles. No one should have to fight this hard through red tape, and no one should be forced to choose between debt and death.
What do you get when you cross a librarian and a politician? All the information in the world, but you can’t understand a word of it.
Yes, I believe the legislature should oversee and help define the use of emergency powers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa saw extended use of executive authority, including school closure mandates and limits on public gatherings, without clear legislative input. More recently, concerns have been raised about unilateral decisions affecting healthcare access and state program funding. While emergency powers can be necessary in a crisis, they must be time-limited, transparent, and subject to checks and balances. Iowans deserve a government that acts swiftly when needed — but also one that is accountable and respectful of democratic checks and balances.
I would be proud to sponsor legislation that strengthens Iowan's protections. My goal would be to improve the Iowa Civil Rights Act for people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those facing housing, healthcare, and employment discrimination due to chronic illness or economic or immigration status. Every Iowan deserves the freedom to live with dignity, without fear of being denied care, work, or housing because of who they are or what they’re going through.
I am particularly interested in serving on the Human Services Committee, the Education Committee, the Human Resources Committee, and the Allocations Committee. As a registered nurse, I bring firsthand experience with health care and public health issues, making the Human Resources Committee a natural fit. I would be honored by the opportunity to strengthen public schools and support all students through the Education Committee. The Human Services Committee offers the opportunity to champion social services, disability rights, and support for vulnerable populations. Serving on the Appropriations Committee would allow me to help ensure responsible budgeting and transparent allocation of taxpayer dollars to programs that truly benefit Iowans.
I believe financial transparency and government accountability are essential to building trust between elected officials and the people they serve. As a single mom who put myself through nursing school, I learned how to make every dollar count, prioritize what truly matters, and sacrifice when it’s necessary. My experience as a library director taught me to do more with less. We librarians find creative solutions within limited resources and always have a Plan B or C in our back pockets.
I expect government to operate with the same discipline and openness: clarity about how public funds are spent, elimination of waste, and steadfast commitment to investing taxpayer dollars in services that improve lives. The tough choices we make on the budget must reflect community priorities, not special interests.
I expect government to operate with the same discipline and openness: clarity about how public funds are spent, elimination of waste, and steadfast commitment to investing taxpayer dollars in services that improve lives. The tough choices we make on the budget must reflect community priorities, not special interests.
Right now, Iowans don’t have the power to place initiatives or referendums directly onto the ballot, which means our laws are shaped almost entirely through legislative action. Giving voters a direct say could increase civic engagement and help advance policies that have broad public support but face gridlock at the Capitol, like reproductive rights, public education funding, or clean water protections. That said, any system would need to guard against misinformation campaigns, corporate influence, or rushed policymaking. I’d support a well-designed process that empowers Iowans while upholding fairness and democratic integrity.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 20, 2025
Current members of the Iowa House of Representatives
Leadership
Majority Leader:Bobby Kaufmann
Representatives
District 1
J.D. Scholten (D)
District 2
Robert Henderson (R)
District 3
Thomas Jeneary (R)
District 4
Skyler Wheeler (R)
District 5
Zach Dieken (R)
District 6
Megan Jones (R)
District 7
Vacant
District 8
Ann Meyer (R)
District 9
Henry Stone (R)
District 10
John Wills (R)
District 11
Craig Williams (R)
District 12
Steven Holt (R)
District 13
Travis Sitzmann (R)
District 14
Jacob Bossman (R)
District 15
Matt Windschitl (R)
District 16
David Sieck (R)
District 17
Devon Wood (R)
District 18
Tom Moore (R)
District 19
Brent Siegrist (R)
District 20
Josh Turek (D)
District 21
Brooke Boden (R)
District 22
Samantha Fett (R)
District 23
Ray Sorensen (R)
District 24
Sam Wengryn (R)
District 25
Hans Wilz (R)
District 26
Austin Harris (R)
District 27
Kenan Judge (D)
District 28
David Young (R)
District 29
Brian Meyer (D)
District 30
Megan Srinivas (D)
District 31
Mary Madison (D)
District 32
Jennifer Konfrst (D)
District 33
Ruth Gaines (D)
District 34
Rob Johnson (D)
District 35
Sean Bagniewski (D)
District 36
Austin Baeth (D)
District 37
Barb McCulla (R)
District 38
Jon Dunwell (R)
District 39
Rick Olson (D)
District 40
Bill Gustoff (R)
District 41
Ryan Weldon (R)
District 42
Heather Matson (D)
District 43
Eddie Andrews (R)
District 44
Larry McBurney (D)
District 45
Brian Lohse (R)
District 46
Dan Gehlbach (R)
District 47
Carter Nordman (R)
District 48
Chad Behn (R)
District 49
District 50
Ross Wilburn (D)
District 51
Brett Barker (R)
District 52
David Blom (R)
District 53
Dean Fisher (R)
District 54
Joshua Meggers (R)
District 55
Shannon Latham (R)
District 56
Mark Thompson (R)
District 57
Pat Grassley (R)
District 58
Charley Thomson (R)
District 59
District 60
District 61
District 62
Jerome Amos (D)
District 63
Michael Bergan (R)
District 64
Jason Gearhart (R)
District 65
Shannon Lundgren (R)
District 66
Steven Bradley (R)
District 67
Craig Johnson (R)
District 68
Chad Ingels (R)
District 69
Tom Determann (R)
District 70
Norlin Mommsen (R)
District 71
Lindsay James (D)
District 72
Jennifer Smith (R)
District 73
Elizabeth Wilson (D)
District 74
Eric Gjerde (D)
District 75
Bob Kressig (D)
District 76
Derek Wulf (R)
District 77
Jeff Cooling (D)
District 78
Angel Ramirez (D)
District 79
Tracy Ehlert (D)
District 80
Aime Wichtendahl (D)
District 81
Daniel Gosa (D)
District 82
Bobby Kaufmann (R)
District 83
Cindy Golding (R)
District 84
Thomas Gerhold (R)
District 85
Amy Nielsen (D)
District 86
David Jacoby (D)
District 87
Jeff Shipley (R)
District 88
Helena Hayes (R)
District 89
Elinor Levin (D)
District 90
Adam Zabner (D)
District 91
Judd Lawler (R)
District 92
Heather Hora (R)
District 93
Gary Mohr (R)
District 94
Mike Vondran (R)
District 95
Taylor Collins (R)
District 96
Mark Cisneros (R)
District 97
Ken Croken (D)
District 98
Monica Kurth (D)
District 99
Matthew Rinker (R)
District 100
Blaine Watkins (R)
Republican Party (66)
Democratic Party (33)
Vacancies (1)
