Osceola Mayor Thomas Kedley is hitting the campaign trail. The 31-year-old Republican educator filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission in May after the retirement announcement of Congressman Dave Loebsack but stated his focus would remain on his students until summer. With school out of session, Kedley is officially hitting the campaign trail.
“I look forward to traveling this beautiful district of 24 counties and hearing from Republicans, Democrats and Independents,” said Kedley. “I want to hear your concerns, your solutions and I want to take your energy to Washington, D.C.”
Kedley’s story is one of resilience. From living on the doorstep of poverty, to completing a college degree, having a career in education, and being elected to public office…success for Kedley has not come without overcoming challenges.
“As a young man growing up in Clinton, I helped my grandfather on the family farm and watched my mother work multiple jobs to support her family of five. I lived on the front line of poverty where the American dream seemed out of reach. Friends would share their lunches, couches and pennies. I remember spending countless hours at school with my teachers because that is where I could see a glimmer of my dreams coming true,” said Kedley. “My family, friends and teachers taught me resilience and to persevere. They taught me to follow my calling to be a solution seeker and to be a voice for others.”
As the mayor of Osceola, Kedley has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents through recreation, updating infrastructure and securing a reliable water source. Now the time has come for Kedley to take his track record of strong leadership to Washington to seek solutions that make the 2nd district, Iowa and country stronger both now and in the future.
Kedley is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. He is serving his second term as mayor of Osceola where he lives with his wife, Becca, two sons, Teddy and Rocky, and goldendoodle, Penny.