In a modest chicken‑coop‑turned “boat shed” on a farm outside Manilla, Iowa, Dave Muhlbauer reflects on the family tradition that has led him to the state’s highest executive office. The converted shed, once used by his late father Dan to store a boat, now houses photographs, campaign signs and memorabilia that span three generations of public service.
Family roots in Iowa politics
Muhlbauer’s grandfather, Louis “Louie” Muhlbauer, began the legacy as a Crawford County commissioner before serving as a state legislator. Dan Muhlbauer followed his father’s path, winning a seat on the county board and later a place in the Iowa House. Now Dave, a lifelong farmer, is set to become lieutenant governor alongside Governor Rob Sand, with inauguration events scheduled for Jan. 15‑17, 2027.
“This building sums up who we are and that camaraderie,” Muhlbauer said of the shed. “It’s very personal in here.” He recalls childhood door‑knocking campaigns with his grandfather, who once rode a stagecoach pulled by four white horses to rally voters.
From farm to statehouse
Growing up on the family farm, Muhlbauer learned the value of hard work and putting people first. “My dad was ornery but loved meeting folks from all walks of life and believed in treating people decently,” he recalled of Dan, who passed away in 2020.
When Dan encouraged Dave to run for county supervisor, the younger Muhlbauer obliged, promising to keep the farm running. He later watched his father win a state‑house seat, and now he steps into the role of second‑in‑command for Iowa.
Policy priorities on day one
As a farmer, Muhlbauer says his first initiatives will focus on agriculture and environmental stewardship. “We want to expand grazing ground so farmers can raise more cattle, and we also want to expand wetlands because they’re nature’s best way to clean our waterways,” he explained.
Beyond those concrete projects, Muhlbauer stresses the need to heal Iowa’s political divisions. “Once we get the broken political system in a better spot, we’ll be better positioned to tackle affordability, health care and education challenges,” he said.
Local pride in a small town
Manilla, a town of just over 700 residents in a historically conservative county that voted roughly 43 points for President Trump, embraced the Sand‑Muhlbauer ticket as a point of pride. Longtime resident Roger Kenkel noted, “It wasn’t about party, it was about individuals. I felt that with Rob Sand picking Dave as his running mate, they had a very good chance of winning, and they did.”
Kenkel added, “If his dad and grandpa were alive they’d be really excited.” The sentiment reflects the community’s appreciation for a family that has served Iowa for decades.
Looking ahead
With two months until inauguration, Muhlbauer and the Sand administration face the task of translating their shared vision into actionable policies. Their focus on expanding agricultural opportunities, protecting natural resources and fostering bipartisan cooperation aims to reinforce the values that have long defined Iowa’s public service tradition.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
