MEET MARY UNGS-SOGAARD
Why I'm running
I’m running for the Iowa Senate because I believe we can do better. I grew up in Iowa. My husband and I chose to build our life here and raise our family here. I believe in Iowa, and I believe in the people who live here. But right now, too many families are worried about the basics. Groceries cost more. Housing is harder to afford. Health care is too expensive and too hard to access. Mental health and brain health services are not reaching people soon enough. Our land and water need serious attention. And too many young people wonder whether they can build a future here. I’m not running to add to the political noise. I’m running to bring a practical, independent-minded voice to Des Moines – one that listens first, tells the truth, and works with anyone serious about solving problems. We can do better for working families. We can do better for people who need health care and brain health care. We can do better for Iowa’s land, water, and future.
UPBRINGING
Rooted in the communities she hopes to serve
Mary was born and raised in Luxemburg, Iowa. Growing up in a large family and working in her family’s general store gave her an early understanding of small-town life, hard work, and the importance of treating people right. In a family business, you learn to listen. You learn that every person who walks through the door has a story, a concern, a need, or a reason for being there. You learn that trust is earned over time, and that community is built through everyday acts of service. Those lessons stayed with Mary. They are part of why she believes politics should be less about shouting and more about listening. Less about party labels and more about whether families can afford the basics, get health care when they need it, drink clean water, and build a future in the place they call home. Mary knows this district is independent-minded and politically diverse. She respects that. She is asking voters for a chance to earn their trust by showing up, listening first, and staying focused on practical problems.
PROFESSIONAL LIFE
A career built on listening, facts and community
Mary’s career in local journalism and community information taught her to listen carefully, ask direct questions, and focus on how decisions affect real people. As a longtime Eastern Iowa newspaper leader, Mary saw up close what local communities care about: schools, roads, Main Street businesses, family farms, childcare, health care, public safety, local budgets, water quality, and whether young people can afford to stay. Local journalism requires patience and humility. You have to ask questions. You have to check facts. You have to talk to people who disagree with each other. You have to understand that every public decision has real consequences for families and communities. Mary will bring that same approach to the Iowa Senate. She is not running to add to the noise. She is running to listen first, tell the truth, and work with anyone who is serious about solving problems.
LEADERSHIP
Showing up for children, families, and community
Mary believes strong communities are built by people who step forward and do the work. That belief is reflected in her long record of community service. Mary helped establish The Kid Project nonprofit childcare center and supported its growth for more than 35 years. Her campaign card also highlights her long-standing commitment to local childcare, independent journalism, and community service. Childcare is not just a family issue. It is also a workforce issue, a small-business issue, and a community issue. When families cannot find or afford care, parents struggle, employers struggle, and communities struggle. Mary’s work with childcare is one example of how she approaches problems: listen to what families need, bring people together, and keep working until something useful gets built. That is the kind of practical, community-centered leadership Mary wants to bring to Des Moines.
MARY'S PROMISE TO VOTERS
Ready to listen, ready to serve, ready to work
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Mary will not pretend that every problem has an easy answer.
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She will not talk down to voters.
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She will not treat people as political categories.
She will listen. She will ask questions. She will tell the truth. She will work with people who are serious about solving problems. And she will keep her focus on the everyday issues affecting Iowa families. Mary believes public service should be grounded in respect – respect for working people, rural communities, small businesses, seniors, farmers, families, caregivers, local leaders, and anyone who wants Iowa to do better.