Ryan Peterman Shatters Fundraising Record for Iowa Secretary of State
DAVENPORT, IA — Democratic candidate for Iowa Secretary of State Ryan Peterman announced today raising over $200,000 in 2025 – already surpassing the total amount Secretary of State Paul Pate raised during his entire 2022 campaign. Based on available campaign finance records, no previous Iowa Secretary of State candidate in history has raised more in the year before the election.
“I’m extremely proud of the grassroots support we’ve received from folks all across the state,” said Ryan Peterman. “Iowans are ready for a new generation of leadership, and this record-breaking support shows there has never been a better opportunity to take back the Secretary of State’s office.”
The breakdown shows Peterman building a strong grassroots campaign:
- Over 900 individual contributions
- 75% of all donations were $50 or less
- The most common contribution was just $10
With polling consistently showing incumbent Iowa Republicans underwater, Democrats over-performing by an average of 22 points in legislative special elections across the state last year, and now this historic fundraising by Peterman–it’s clear that Secretary of State Paul Pate is vulnerable.
As the campaign enters 2026, Peterman will continue traveling across Iowa to share a message that is resonating with voters statewide. “Iowans deserve a Secretary of State who will restore honor and integrity to the office, fight for secure and accessible elections, and revitalize our small business services,” said Peterman.
Ryan Peterman is a former Naval Officer and lifelong public servant who is running to bring nonpartisan leadership to the Secretary of State’s office, and ensure that every eligible Iowan can vote freely and fairly. He is the only Democrat running for Iowa Secretary of State.
Sam MacFarland
Campaign Manager
Peterman for Iowa
515.802.0145
petermanforiowa.com
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Statement on Ryan Peterman’s campaign website:
Here is a Why I’m Running
I’m running for Secretary of State because I believe in public service—and I believe we need more leaders who treat that responsibility with honesty, humility, and a sense of duty.
For over a decade, I served our country as a Naval Officer. I led sailors overseas, worked on defense policy in the Senate, and helped develop future officers at the Naval Academy. In each of those roles, trust mattered. Integrity mattered. And I learned that institutions only work when people believe the people in charge are worthy of that belief.
That’s what’s at stake in this office.
The Secretary of State’s job isn’t to grab headlines. It’s to make sure every eligible Iowan can vote, that elections are fair and secure, and that politics never gets in the way of doing the job right. I’ve met with county auditors in small towns and big cities across the state. I’ve listened to their concerns and seen how hard they work to protect the vote. They deserve a partner they can trust.
I’m not running to be a partisan warrior. I’m running to do the work, to serve with integrity, and to help rebuild trust in the system we all depend on.
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