Republicans Lawmakers Welcome Council Bluffs Rep to Their Ranks

State Representative Doug Struyk Switches Party Affiliation

 

DES MOINES – Republicans in the Iowa House welcomed State Representative Doug Struyk to their caucus today.  Struyk will file as a Republican candidate for Iowa House District 99.  Struyk was first elected in 2002 and will be running for reelection this fall. 

 

“My priorities have not changed.  They continue to be children, education and economic growth.  I will continue to stand up for those voices in Council Bluffs that need to be heard in Des Moines.   I was an independent voice for Council Bluffs yesterday and I will continue to be an independent voice for Council Bluffs tomorrow,” said Struyk.

 

“I have great respect for my colleagues in the Democratic Caucus and hope to maintain those friendships and relationships. In order for me to maintain my independence, this change was necessary.”

 

“We welcome him into our caucus and into our party,” said Speaker of the House Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City.  “Doug is well respected by the Republican caucus and we look forward to having him on our team.  This was a difficult decision for Doug and we think he will be a good fit in our caucus.  He is pro-business, he wants government to live within its means and he wants to protect education.”   

 

Struyk’s switch places the Republican majority in the House of Representative at 54 Republicans to 46 Democrats.