Why the Community Supports Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council

Travis Terrell smiling

Travis Terrell

Candidate for Congress, Iowa’s 1st District

“I’m proud to endorse Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council.

I first met Clara on the picket line at the Iowa City VA. She wasn’t there for headlines or votes — she was there because she believes in the fight. That’s the kind of leader we need.

Clara is passionate about tackling the housing crisis and making Iowa City an even better place to live. She’ll be a relentless fighter to improve the quality of life for all of her constituents.

Please join me in supporting her campaign and cast your vote for Clara on November 4th.”

Jessica Duling

Local Artist and Owner of Refuge Studios

“As a fellow local artist whose work is focused on the belief that Iowa is and can be so much more than its own extraction, I am excited to endorse Clara. I believe her background as both a librarian, artist, and community organizer make her uniquely excellent for the position of city councilor. Artists are trained in paying close attention to detail, researching historical contexts, finding unique throughlines between subjects, and— most importantly— creative problem solving.

We need someone who is capable of conducting thorough research and who is able to collaborate and learn from others in areas where their knowledge falls short. All of which I have seen Clara excel at with enthusiasm.

It’s for these reasons and more that I will be voting for Clara for our city council.”

YDSA logo

Young Democratic Socialists of America

University of Iowa Chapter

“We at YDSA at the University of Iowa are proud to endorse Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council. As a student running for city council, we believe her unique perspective will allow her to advocate for the interest of students here on campus. She advocates for policies which put the interest of students first, such as advocating for a vacancy fee to increase housing supply and her leadership position in COGS which she used to help negotiate higher wages for graduate students, as well as giving access to childcare to graduate students.”

Mandi Remington

Johnson County Supervisor

“I’m supporting Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council because I'm confident she’ll stand up for us when it matters most. I also believe government should be representative of the people it serves. Iowa City’s median age is 26, but we don't have anyone in their 20s in local government — Clara brings that missing perspective and the courage to use it.”

Mika Covington

Rare Disease Advocate

“I met Clara only recently, but it quickly became clear how dedicated she is to serving her community. As someone who depends on social services for daily survival,[…] when I reached out [after Trump cut SNAP], Clara went above and beyond by helping to organize a coordinated response to address the needs created by the gaps in SNAP support. She is committed to making a tangible difference for those affected.

Clara actively listens to her community and those who are in need. She goes beyond simply hearing concerns; she immediately begins thorough research, consults relevant stakeholders, and seeks out solutions. If answers are not available, Clara is proactive and works to create them herself. Her dedication and resourcefulness have earned my trust; I am confident that Clara will represent me and advocate tirelessly for those who are most vulnerable.”

Iowa City Democratic Socialists of America (ICDSA)

“The Iowa City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America has voted to endorse the campaigns of Clara Reynen on October 6, 2025! 

This endorsement marks the beginning of a process with a lot of work left to be done, and we encourage our public to get engaged! We recommend signing up for their volunteer list, getting yard signs, and talking about candidates with others in your life. Every little bit helps, and this is an important moment for our cities to tackle.”

Progressive Victory at Iowa

“lowa City is beginning to feel the weight of several looming crises: housing costs are skyrocketing, homelessness is on the rise, ICE is on our streets, our water quality continues to worsen, and the threat of Al looms over our local government, our environment, and our labour force. Meanwhile, most city councilors continue to sit by and watch it all happen, unwilling to act in the face of it all.

That is why we here at Progressive Victory at Iowa proudly endorse Clara Reynen for the Iowa City Council, someone who will act. We need a motivated person in office who is a member of our community, who cares for our community, and who fights for our community; Clara is exactly that.”

Guillermo Morales against a blurred background

Guillermo Morales II

Former Executive Director, Johnson County

“I am voting for Clara Reynen because I am much more comfortable with a community led by someone who is prepared to do what's right, as opposed to someone simply prepared to read a prepared statement. She has a vision for the city that is progressive, and I am excited to see she can accomplish with a new progressive majority on council. We are almost there.

Giving Clara a seat at the table will put us on a powerful path towards real systemic change. Clara is not afraid of tough questions and complex issues. Clara has stood steadfastly with those under attack.

It's long past time that we vote out the lookingintoers who drag their feet and make excuses for their inaction. We need to vote in the doers, like Clara. I trust Clara, along with the new progressive majority she will help cement, will get things done and make Iowa City the progressive bastion we all want it to be.”

Laura Bergus

Iowa City Councilor

“Clara Reynen leads with courage. While so many are paralyzed by uncertainty, Clara is clear-eyed about the future. She won’t play political games, and has consistently shown up to raise her voice for justice.

Clara has committed her campaign to learning about city governance and meeting the people who make the City of Iowa City run so smoothly.

Clara is smart. As a librarian, she’s able to find information, challenge assumptions, and empower others to do the same.

Clara is an optimist. We need Clara’s heart and spirit right now. She will be an independent, trustworthy, fearless leader. She will look a challenge or tragedy in the eye, and then push for the path that strengthens community.

Vote for Clara Reynen on or before November 4.”

Jon Green

Chairperson, Johnson County Board of Supervisors

“I offer my endorsement of Clara as I think she is well positioned to continue the vitally important collaborations between the City and County. While we won't always agree, I'm sure she'll push us in the direction of progress.”

Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Iowa

“WHEN WE VOTE, WE WIN!

We are ready to elect champions who fight for working families in Iowa.

We deserve leaders who put all of us first, no matter our race, gender, or zip code.”

Oliver Weilein smiling

Oliver Weilein

Iowa City Councilor

“Clara is someone who I have organized with for years in the Iowa City area. She is always the first to volunteer for any chance to serve the community and advocate for the most vulnerable. She approaches every undertaking with high energy and creativity, all while centering empathy and humanity. Her ability to collaborate with others, especially those she disagrees with, is extremely impressive and admirable. She will dedicate her blood, sweat, and tears to serve this community, and with her help on the council, I believe we can achieve amazing things for our community. I wholeheartedly endorse Clara, and urge all residents to do the same.”

Katy Brown

Owner of Kitty Corner Social Club

“As a local business owner and founder of Kitty Corner Social Club - a lounge built around kindness, connection, and community care - I am proud to endorse Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council.

At Kitty Corner Social Club, our work is guided by the belief that small, human-centered spaces can make big impacts. Every day, my team shows that empathy, collaboration, and shared responsibility are the real foundation of a thriving city. And we want to see everyone thrive, or have the opportunity to. Clara’s campaign captures that same spirit. And she pays attention to the details. Before I knew her, she stopped in to chat with me and my team about small business challenges. That speaks volumes about how she leads - with curiosity, respect, and genuine care for the people who make this city run.

Kitty Corner Social Club proudly supports Clara Reynen for Iowa City Council.”

V Fixmer-Oraiz

Johnson County Supervisor

Coming soon