Parker Hansen
Elections and appointments
Personal
Contact
Parker Hansen (independent) ran for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 13. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Hansen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Parker Hansen was born in Iowa. He graduated from River Valley High School. He earned an associate degree from Western Iowa Technical Community College in 2018 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa in 2020. His career experience includes working as a business owner.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
Republican primary election
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hansen in this election.
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Parker Hansen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hansen'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 Parker Hansen, a resident of Correctionville, Iowa, where I was born, raised, and still live today. I am a small business owner who understands the values of hard work, community, and perseverance. With a strong background in business, international relations, and political science, I’m committed to representing District 13 with integrity and dedication. My faith guides my decisions, and I’m focused on fighting for the rights and values of our rural communities.
- Fighting Against Property Tax Increases: I will advocate for an immediate property tax freeze for seniors and push to increase the homestead tax exemption to reduce the burden on all homeowners. Additionally, I will work to reform the county tax levy system to ensure rural communities are not disproportionately taxed to fund urban development projects. It’s time to protect our way of life by keeping our taxes fair and sustainable.
- Protecting Rural Schools: I will fight to repeal HF2612, a disastrous bill that threatens the funding of our rural schools. Instead, I will work to secure stable, adequate funding for rural schools through reforms that prioritize local control and ensure that resources are allocated fairly. By reworking the funding formulas, we can keep our schools open and thriving, providing a quality education to every child in District 13.
- Defending the Second Amendment and Property Rights: I will staunchly defend our Second Amendment rights, ensuring that law-abiding citizens can keep and bear arms without undue government interference. Additionally, I will work to protect private property rights by opposing any attempts to expand eminent domain or impose restrictive regulations on landowners. Our rights to defend ourselves and our property are fundamental, and I will fight to safeguard them at all costs.
I am deeply committed to safeguarding the financial stability of our rural communities by advocating for fair property tax policies. Protecting our rural schools is a top priority—I will work to ensure they receive the funding they need without the burden of unfunded mandates. I am also passionate about defending our Second Amendment rights and protecting private property from government overreach. I believe in keeping government small and focused on serving the people, not the other way around. Additionally, I am dedicated to supporting our farmers and small businesses, ensuring they have the resources and freedom to thrive in District 13.
I look up to Ronald Reagan. His strong principles, clear communication, and commitment to limited government resonate with me deeply. Reagan had a way of connecting with people, staying true to his values while also being pragmatic enough to work across the aisle. His ability to inspire hope and optimism in challenging times is something I strive to emulate in my own life and campaign.
I would recommend The Federalist Papers for understanding the foundational principles of American governance. They provide insight into the importance of limited government, individual liberties, and the balance of powers—concepts that guide my political philosophy.
Integrity, accountability, and a deep connection to the community are essential. An elected official should be someone who listens more than they speak, puts the needs of the people first, and acts with honesty and transparency. Being rooted in the community, as I am, is crucial to understanding and addressing the real challenges people face.
I believe my deep connection to the community, my entrepreneurial spirit, and my unwavering commitment to integrity would make me a successful officeholder. I know how to listen, I’m not afraid of hard work, and I’m dedicated to serving the people of District 13 with honesty and transparency. I also have a strong sense of perseverance, which drives me to push through challenges and find solutions that benefit everyone.
The core responsibilities include representing the voices and concerns of constituents, crafting legislation that reflects the needs of the district, and ensuring that government remains transparent and accountable. It's also essential to protect individual rights and maintain the balance between local and state governance, always prioritizing the well-being of the community.
I want to leave a legacy of service, where people can look back and say that I truly made a difference in their lives and in our community. I hope to be remembered as someone who fought for the rights and needs of rural Iowans, preserved our values, and worked tirelessly to ensure that our communities remained strong and prosperous for generations to come.
The first historical event I remember is 9/11. I was very young at the time, but I vividly recall being at my babysitter's house and seeing the images on the TV. Even at that age, I could sense the gravity of what was happening, and it’s an event that has shaped my understanding of the world and our need for resilience as a nation.
While it wasn't an official "job," growing up, I spent many summers helping my uncle haul pigs and cows. It taught me the value of hard work and responsibility early on. My first official job was one that I created—a mobile coffee truck. It was a venture that taught me a lot about entrepreneurship, customer service, and the grit it takes to build something from the ground up.
The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature should be one of mutual respect and collaboration. Both branches must work together to serve the people effectively while maintaining a healthy balance of power. It’s important that the legislature remains a strong, independent voice for the people, holding the executive branch accountable.
Our state's greatest challenges include addressing the rising cost of living, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that our education system is adequately funded and meets the needs of all students, and maintaining the infrastructure necessary for a thriving economy. Additionally, preserving the rights of property owners and ensuring that government remains limited and focused on serving the people will be ongoing challenges.
While experience can be valuable, it's not a requirement. What matters most is a genuine commitment to serving the community, understanding the issues, and bringing fresh perspectives to the table. Often, those without previous government experience bring new ideas and a strong connection to the people they represent.
Absolutely. Building relationships with other legislators is crucial to getting things done. It allows for collaboration, finding common ground, and ensuring that the best interests of the people are served. Even when there are differences in opinion, mutual respect and open communication can lead to effective governance.
Ronald Reagan is a figure I admire for his strong principles, clear communication, and commitment to limited government. He understood the importance of standing firm on core values while also being willing to work across the aisle to achieve meaningful progress for the country.
Right now, my focus is entirely on serving the people of District 13. My goal is to represent my community effectively at the state level, and I’m committed to making a real difference here.
One story that stands out is from an elderly woman in our district who, despite living on a fixed income, saw her property taxes skyrocket. She’s lived in her home for decades, and this increase threatened her ability to stay in the community she loves. Her story is a reminder of why I’m in this race—to fight against policies that harm our most vulnerable and ensure that everyone can afford to live and thrive in our district.
The legislature must have a role in overseeing the use of emergency powers. While swift action is sometimes necessary, these powers must be exercised with caution and accountability. The legislature should ensure that such powers are not abused and that any use of them is in the best interest of the public.
The first bill I would introduce would focus on property tax reform. I would push for a cap on property tax increases, particularly for seniors and low-income residents, to ensure that people aren’t taxed out of their homes. Additionally, I would work on increasing the homestead exemption and reforming the county tax levy system to provide relief to rural communities.
I’m proud to have been endorsed by over 2,700 people across District 13, including mayors, council members, business owners, educators, farmers, veterans, and more. These endorsements reflect the broad support our campaign has from those who know the needs of our community best.
Committees focused on education, agriculture, and public safety are of particular interest to me. These areas are vital to the well-being of our rural communities, and I am committed to ensuring that they receive the attention and resources they need.
Financial transparency and government accountability are non-negotiable. Taxpayers deserve to know where every dollar is spent and how decisions are made. I strongly support measures that ensure government spending is transparent and that elected officials are held accountable for their actions. This is fundamental to maintaining trust between the people and their government.
A state ballot initiative process could be beneficial if it allows the people to have a direct say on critical issues. However, it must be carefully structured to ensure that it doesn’t lead to unintended consequences or undermine representative democracy. It’s important that any such process includes safeguards to protect against the influence of special interests and ensures that all voices are heard.
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
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See also
External links
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on August 31, 2024
Leadership
Majority Leader:Bobby Kaufmann
Representatives
Republican Party (66)
Democratic Party (33)
Vacancies (1)