Mike Klimesh announces candidacy for District 28 of the Iowa Senate

Spillville native will seek Senate seat being vacated by Michael Breitbach’s retirement

Spillville Mayor Mike Klimesh has announced that he will be seeking the open Iowa Senate District 28 seat currently held by retiring Senator Michael Breitbach. Breitbach, who is the Appropriation Committee chair, recently announced his retirement, effective at the end of this year, after serving two terms in the Iowa Senate.

“I am running for the Iowa Senate to implement common sense policies to lower the tax burden on Iowans, improve education, and ensure rural Iowa has a strong voice in Des Moines,” said Klimesh. “I look forward to meeting Iowans  throughout Winneshiek, Clayton, Allamakee and Fayette Counties, hearing their concerns, and representing their interests in Des Moines.”

Klimesh, a Republican, is a life-long Spillville resident. He graduated in 1987 from South Winneshiek High School. Following graduation, he attended Luther College in Decorah. He graduated from Luther in 1991 with a degree in political science.

Klimesh met his wife, Kate, when they were students at Luther College. The couple’s son, Benjamin, continuing the family tradition, now also attends Luther College. Since graduating from Luther, Klimesh has managed Graphics Inc. in Calmar for 20 years and served a total of 22 years as the mayor of Spillville.

Community is important to Klimesh, who has served on the emergency management commission, the Winneshiek County Economic Development Board, Winneshiek County Tourism, the Winneshiek County Community Foundation Board, the Winneshiek County Mayors Coalition, and several other boards and commissions.

Klimesh, who ran for the Iowa House in 2010 and 2012, was also coach of the South Winneshiek High School and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) trap shooting teams.