Drake University Professor to Run for Iowa House of Representatives

An assistant journalism professor at Drake University is ready to take on the world of politics with a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. Jennifer Konfrst, an Iowa native, is running in favor of educational rights, jobs with good benefits, affordable healthcare and a sustainable environment.

With these issues that she wants to tackle in mind, one that stands out to Konfrst is accessible mental healthcare. This is one problem the professor has witnessed during her time in the educational field.

“When I knock on doors, when I talk to students, I see first-hand the lack of access,” Konfrst told the Times-Delphic. “I want to make sure that we are prioritizing care over sort of just housing people who have mental illness … in other words, giving them an opportunity to get better or be treated rather than sending them to prison.”

Those who personally know Konfrst have not been surprised by her decision to run for this political position. Konfrst has made it clear that she is taking a stance from both the perspective as a professor and as a mother.

Under the heading Investing in Education and Safe Local Schools on her campaign website, the candidate discusses just how important education is to her.

“As an educator and a mom, I am running to advocate for strong public schools with lower class sizes,” says Konfrst. “Being a lifelong Iowan, I remember when Iowa’s education system was top in the nation. It’s time to invest in Iowa’s schools to provide economic opportunity and growth for our kids’ future.”

Visitors of Konfrst’s website will also notice the purple theme of each page, which, according to Times-Delphic, symbolizes her admiration for both the Republican party and the Democratic party.