After Marion County’s two local representatives announced they are not running for reelection, numerous candidates have now stepped up in an attempt to represent the area in the Iowa House.

Samantha Keith of University Park announced she will run as a Democrat for Iowa House District 79, which includes the communities of Pella and Oskaloosa. Republican Guy Vander Linden announced earlier this session that will it be his last in office. New Sharon Mayor Dustin Hite has declared his intention to seek that seat as a Republican.

At the Red Rock Social Justice Advocates meeting in Pella Saturday, Ann Fields announced she will run as a Democrat in House District 28, currently held by Greg Heartsill.

Fields tells KNIA/KRLS News she made her decision last week after seeing the legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Senate this session.

Fields was President of William Penn from 2009-13 and lives in Knoxville. State Trooper Jon Thorup has declared his intentions to run for the open seat as a Republican. Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for award-winning election coverage.