Democrat Pat Murphy Will Run for Braley's First Congressional Seat

Former Speaker of the Iowa House, Dubuque Democrat Pat Murphy, announced Wednesday that he will run for Iowa’s First Congressional Seat.

The seat is currently held by Rep. Bruce Braley, who announced last week that he will run for the senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Harkin.

“It’s a crucial time for our country. The middle-class is under attack, our children’s futures are at stake and the ability for Iowa seniors to have secure retirements are in jeopardy,” Murphy said in a press release. “Senator Harkin and Congressman Braley have championed middle class families. I’ve spent my career fighting for those families. I’m running to continue that fight in Congress.”

Murphy served as the Speaker of the Iowa House from 2007 to 2011.

“I’m proud of my record of protecting middle class Iowa families, and the progressive agenda we put forth during my time as Speaker,” he said. “I’ve worked across the aisle when it meant bettering the lives of Iowans and stood up to the right wing when they threatened our future.”

According to his press release, Murphy grew up as the ninth of ten kids in a working class family in Dubuque. He and his wife Teri, a nurse, raised four children, Jake, John, Joe, and Natalie. They have seven grandchildren.

“I’ve worked hard to help elect Democratic candidates, knocking doors in nearly every county in this district,” he said. “I look forward to spending more time across the district over the coming months to have a conversation with people about the future and what’s at stake for middle-class Iowa families. I plan to earn their votes.”