Washington

Want to know more about the candidates running for office in the Washington County area?

Well, you'll have the opportunity to hear from them very soon.

With the November election just a few weeks away, many residents may want to hear directly from the candidates before casting their ballots. That's exactly what they'll have the chance to do this Thursday.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Washington Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum at the Washington Public Library in the Nicola Stoufer Room and Washington State Bank Room. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The forum will feature candidates running in three races during the 2026 midterm elections, including Iowa House District 92 and Districts 3 and 5 of the Washington County Board of Supervisors.

Iowa House District 92 covers Washington County and a portion of Johnson County. Washington County Supervisor District 3 includes Riverside, Ainsworth, Crawfordsville, Brighton and a portion of Coppock, while District 5 covers Wards 1 and 2 of Washington.

Candidates expected to attend include incumbent Rep. Heather Hora, a Republican, and Democratic candidate Brittany Erickson for Iowa House District 92; incumbent Marcus Fedler, a Republican, and Democratic candidate JoAnn Whitmore for District 3 of the Washington County Board of Supervisors; and Democrat Lynette Iles and Republican Brendan DeLong for the board's District 5 seat.

Each candidate will have the opportunity to discuss why they are running for office and why they believe they should be elected. At the end of the forum, each candidate will also have the chance to deliver closing remarks.

If time permits, audience members will also have the opportunity to ask the candidates questions.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce has emphasized that it is a nonpartisan organization and does not endorse any of the candidates.

For more information about the forum or the candidates, residents can contact the Washington Chamber of Commerce.