Russell Saffell
Russell Saffell (Republican Party) is running for election to the Iowa House of Representatives to represent District 43. Saffell is on the ballot in the Republican primary on June 2, 2026.[source]
Saffell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Russell Saffell served in the U.S. Navy from 1999 to 2004. Saffell graduated from Urbandale Senior High School. Saffell earned a bachelor's degree from Upper Iowa University in 2008, a graduate degree from The George Washington University in 2012, and a Ph.D. from Liberty University. Saffell's career experience includes working as an executive.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Iowa House of Representatives elections, 2026
General election
The primary will occur on June 2, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. General election candidates will be added here following the primary.
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 43
Jill Alesch (D) is running in the Democratic primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 43 on June 2, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Jill Alesch | ||
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Republican primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 43
Nicole Hasso (R), Brett Nelson (R), and Russell Saffell (R) are running in the Republican primary for Iowa House of Representatives District 43 on June 2, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Nicole Hasso | |
 | Brett Nelson | |
 | Russell Saffell | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Russell Saffell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Saffell's responses.
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I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Economic Policy, with extensive work in economic systems and the long-term fiscal health of government. This work is not merely academic; it informs my conviction that sound policy must be rooted in data, constitutional principles, and a respect for individual liberty.
I am also a man of faith, and my Christian worldview shapes my understanding of leadership as service, stewardship, and moral responsibility. I believe government should be limited, efficient, and focused on its core responsibilities: protecting individual rights, ensuring public safety, and fostering an environment where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.
Above all, I am a citizen who cares deeply about the future of Iowa. I am running to represent the great people of District 43 because I believe in preserving our freedoms, strengthening our economy, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a state that is as strong, prosperous, and principled.- 1. Individual Liberty & Limited Government I believe that individual liberty is the foundation upon which our state and nation were built. As your State Representative, I will work to protect the constitutional rights of every Iowan and ensure that government remains limited, accountable, and respectful of personal freedom. I stand firmly against unnecessary government intrusion into the lives of our citizens. My commitment is to uphold the principle that our rights are not granted by government, but protected by it. In District 43, I will advocate for policies that empower individuals, defend property rights, and preserve the freedoms that define who we are as Iowans.
- 2. Fiscal Responsibility & Tax Relief I am committed to restoring fiscal discipline and ensuring that your hard-earned money is respected. Iowa families deserve a government that lives within its means, just as they do. I will fight for responsible budgeting, meaningful tax relief, and the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending. By promoting transparency and accountability, we can rebuild trust and create a more efficient government. My goal is to foster a strong economic environment where businesses can grow, jobs are created, and Iowans can keep more of what they earn while securing long-term prosperity for our state.
- 3. Safe Communities & Strong Future Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of government, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our communities remain clean, safe, and secure. Every Iowan deserves to feel protected in their home, their workplace, and their neighborhood. I support strong law enforcement, responsible public safety policies, and community-based solutions that address the root causes of crime. At the same time, I am committed to strengthening education and investing in the well-being of our communities to ensure a brighter future for the next generation. Together, we can build a safer, stronger Iowa that reflects our shared values and priorities.
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 March 22, 2026
