Endorsements.
I am proud to receive the support of so many citizens and community leaders in my bid to become Iowa State Senator for District 17. These people know me, and they know my passion for helping our community grow and our families prosper. Please connect with me if you have any questions about my campaign or aspirations for Iowa.
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Stay Tuned - We're continuously updating this page as more and more people join in supporting our campaign!
Connie Boesen
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I first met Samy when he was a teacher at East High. I served as President of the East High PTA and saw firsthand his dedication to his students and to the school community.
He has shown that same commitment and dedication to the community he lives in with
the volunteer work he has done.
I know he will make a great addition to the Iowa Senate
with his understanding of the needs of schools and local communities.
Sami Scheetz
Linn County Supervisor
Former IA Rep District 78
I’m proud to endorse Samy in his campaign for the Iowa Senate. As an educator, union member, and longtime labor activist, he has been a tireless champion for working people and for strengthening our public schools. Samy also shares our deep mutual commitment to Iowa’s Arab American community, and his advocacy for inclusion and representation has made a real difference. I know he will help turn our state around and ensure that working families, immigrants, and educators have a strong voice at the Capitol.
Maria Alonzo
Des Moines School Board
At-Large
I’m proud to endorse Samy El-Baroudi for the Iowa Senate. As an immigrant and dedicated teacher, he understands the importance of strong public schools, opportunity for working families, and respecting individual rights.
He will fight for quality education, stand up for the middle class, and take a thoughtful, responsible approach to issues that affect personal and family decisions. Samy brings the values, experience, and commitment Iowa needs. I’m honored to support him.
Justin Smith
East High School Social Studies Teacher
I’m proud to endorse Samy El‑Baroudi for the Iowa State Senate. I worked with Samy for several years at East High School, where he consistently demonstrated deep care for student success and well‑being. As a longtime educator, Samy has been a champion for helping others, serving both the Des Moines Education Association and the Iowa State Education Association to support fellow educators and advocate for students’ needs. Iowa needs leaders like Samy who listen, lead with compassion, and put students and communities first
Ben Muller
Director of Student Services
Ankeny Community Schools
I had the experience of working with Mr. El-Baroudi as an adjunct professor while he was pursuing an administrative degree. From the very beginning, Samy portrayed leadership characteristics, such as positivity, solution focused and a desire to do what is best for students and adults. From my perspective, I could see other graduate students turn to Samy and look for his knowledge through his experiences as a veteran educator. I recall a dialogue where Samy definitely asserted his opinion but was openly seeking others' perspectives because their experiences were different from his. His "seek to understand and then be understood," was very evident. He is an advocate for public education, wanting to do what is best for the educational profession while knowing that change will occur.
Steven Schappaugh
Public Educator and Administrator
As a former SD17 resident and public school administrator in SD17, I’m excited about Samy’s candidacy. I’m endorsing Samy because he will fight for public schools, advocate for common sense solutions, and build bridges to get work done for the people of his district and the entire state. Having known Samy for years I’m confident the engaging, authentic, and kind person I’ve come to know will show up that way every day for SD17!
Stephanie Fowler
Public Educator and Administrator
Samy is an amazing educator and leader! He has the qualities and personality to represent the people of District 17 in the Iowa Senate. I fully endorse Samy in his candidacy, and it will be a great honor to call him Senator El-Baroudi along with Mr. El-Baroudi, the great public educator.
Elizabeth Moran
DMPS Teacher
I met Samy years ago through teaching and our mutual advocacy in our union. As a fellow educator, Samy already advocates for Des Moines students and families. I know he will continue this work in the legislature. Samy is a working family man, who concerns himself with the needs of fellow working families. He is also someone who is strong in his beliefs and will not be bought out or bribed by corporate interests. Vote for Samy to help Iowa become a safer and better place to live.
Carl McPherson
Community Activist
He walks, he talks, he lives the issues that mean so very much to those of us who reside in Iowa Senate District 17.
Samy understands what is important and has been in the trenches advocating for us. As an educator and advocate for the past 30 years, his activism has demonstrated his deep understanding of and passion for improving conditions regarding education, health care, housing, economic hardships, inadequate pay, and human rights. Samy believes strongly in diversity and inclusivity and will not accept the status quo. Samy has shown the fighting spirit to demand changes for the better. Samy will work tirelessly to serve us in the Senate. Samy listens! I'm asking you to support and vote for Samy El-Baroudi
Josh Lemon
Former Student
I was fortunate enough to have Samy El-Baroudi for Economics and Personal Finance classes at East High School over a decade ago. Now working in the Des Moines business community, I believe those two classes were the most impactful on my personal life and career. In fact, I believe our education system should place greater emphasis on those skill sets. I know Samy to be a good person and an educator with a proven history of dedication to Des Moines. I’m happy to offer my support and vote in 2026 and look forward to having a teacher in the Iowa Senate!
Doug Smith
Former Student
It is an honor and privilege to endorse my friend and former teacher, Mr. El-Baroudi, for the Iowa Senate!
Samy is deeply grounded in his beliefs as a lifelong learner and lives by the principle that a rising tide lifts all boats!
From his decades in the classroom to his role as an outspoken champion of union rights, Samy has the grit and determination to serve his constituents by prioritizing the needs of everyday Iowans, not the elite.
For years, Samy has lived in the urban core dedicating his life to the causes he believes in. From River Bend to Polk County Democrats, the Des Moines Education Association, and beyond, his network is filled with people he can collaborate with to get things done.
An added bonus, Samy is half of a dynamic duo. His spouse and longtime partner, Kim, is always by his side - sharing the work and exchanging ideas. A true team.
If you don’t yet know Samy or have a question on his positions or beliefs, set up a time to sit down and get to know him. You will not be disappointed.
Educator. Advocate. Friend.
Samy will be a great Senator for District 17!
Wayne Bauman
Retired Educator
I support Samy for the State Senate because we need a strong voice for our students and children. Public Education needs to be restored to the preeminent place it once held in the nation.
Fannette Elliott
West Des Moines City Council
Samy is a 30-year public school educator who is committed to fully funding public education and ending the governor’s ill-advised voucher program. Taking monies from public schools and giving to private schools continues the current assault on public education. Every child deserves a strong school that is adequately funded.
As a proud union member and leader, he will be focused on restoring respect for hard work—-not just wealth—-and building an economy that works for everyone!
Samy is a strong leader who will bring passion, experience, and the determination that is needed to deliver real, positive change for Iowa!
Dudley Muhammad
Community Activist
I got to know Samy as an opponent who I ran against for the Iowa house. I learned that he was the kind of man that I could trust to stand up for our community. His career in the schools has proven his commitment to our youth. I’m proud to endorse him for the Iowa Senate.
Rob Barron
City Councilman-elect
Ward 1
I'm proud to support Samy El-Baroudi for Senate. I enjoyed working with him when I was on the school board and he was a teacher. I'm grateful for his advocacy and commitment to our DMPS youth and in the River Bend Neighborhood! Samy is just the kind of fighter and advocate we need at the Legislature.
Kim Martorano
Des Moines School Board
Chair
As the chair of the DMPS school board, I have the privilege and responsibility of keeping student outcomes at the center of every decision. That perspective shapes how I evaluate leadership, and it is why I am supporting Samy El-Baroudi.
Samy is a third-generation educator who understands, at a systems level, what it takes for students to thrive. He knows that strong public schools do not happen by accident. They require intentional investment, thoughtful policy, and leaders who are willing to listen to the people closest to the work. Samy has spent his career doing exactly that, showing up for students, supporting educators, and advocating for the conditions that allow both to succeed.
What stands out most to me is Samy’s ability to connect values to action. He understands that improving outcomes for students means addressing the broader ecosystem, supporting families, respecting educators, and ensuring resources are aligned to what matters most. He brings both the urgency and the discipline needed to move that work forward.
At a time when public education faces increasing pressure and polarization, Samy offers something we need more of: steady, thoughtful leadership rooted in experience, accountability, and a genuine commitment to students.
I am proud to support Samy El-Baroudi and confident he will be a strong advocate for Iowa’s students and communities.
Anne Cross
DMPS Science Teacher
President - Des Moines Education Association
I am proud to endorse Samy El-Baroudi for Iowa Senate. Samy is a fierce advocate for public schools, students, their families, and community. He is a veteran educator with Des Moines Public Schools and Union Leader the Des Moines Education Association. As his future constituent, I could not ask for a better legislator representing my family.
Rev. Dr. Frantz Whitfield
Social Justice Activist & Faith Leader
I met Samy almost 30 years ago as a student at Des Moines East High School. He was one of the rare educators that worked hands on with students, and took the time to focus on their needs, and what mattered to them most. That’s the kind of leader we need in the Iowa Senate. A leader who will put Iowans best interests at heart. Today I officially endorse my friend, and one who helped shape my life for the better.
Ben Graeber
DMPS Principal
Samy is one of the most authentic and hard-working individuals I know. His decades of teaching and serving the Des Moines community demonstrate where his heart is. He believes in making the world a better place, one relationship at a time.
I know that Samy will pour his heart into this position -- serving the 17th District.
As a resident of the 17th, I look forward to having Samy represent this community. He will be a voice for those who need it the most.
Ethan Olson​
DMPS Instructional Coach
I’m proud to endorse my friend Samy El-Baroudi. His years as an educator and union representative have given him a grounded understanding of our community—its students, families, and the professionals who serve them every day. Samy is someone who listens carefully, seeks to understand, and speaks with integrity. I believe he will bring that same commitment to representing our community.
Claire Orlando
DMPS Teacher
Samy is a committed educator who works for kids and teachers. He is my union representative where he is solutions oriented and a bridge builder. Our teachers and students will be lucky to have him advocating for us at the state senate!
Kayla Cam
DMPS Teacher/Behavior Strategist,
Former Student
Mr. El Baroudi is a passionate and dedicated educator who truly puts students and teachers at the center of everything he does. I had the privilege of being his student, and today, as a teacher myself, I can clearly see the lasting impact of his commitment to education. He consistently pushes his students to grow academically and personally while creating a supportive, motivating learning environment. Just as importantly, he understands the needs and challenges teachers face and actively works to uplift and support them. His work ethic, leadership, and genuine care for the education community do not go unnoticed. Mr. El Baroudi would be a strong, thoughtful, and teacher-focused voice in the Senate, and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy.
Endi Montalvo-Martinez
Community Leader
Iowa needs change. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Samy El-Baroudi for Iowa Senate. Samy is a public educator and truly understands the community he seeks to represent. Samy believes in an Iowa that works for everyone, and I trust him to lead that fight.
Rosie Cam Grieg
BSN, RN
Former Student
I am proud to offer my full and enthusiastic endorsement of Samy El-Baroudi for the
Iowa Senate. I have known El-Baroudi for 17 years and have seen the difference and
impact he has made in our metro Des Moines area communities.
Samy has spent his career serving others—as a teacher, mentor, and coach—and that
spirit of service defines who he is as a leader. He has always cared deeply for his community and for the people within it, especially the students whose lives he has
helped shape. His commitment goes far beyond the classroom or the field; it is rooted in a genuine belief that strong communities are built through education, opportunity, and mutual respect.
Throughout his career, Samy has been a consistent advocate for public education and
for the teachers who make it possible. He also understands the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and local businesses, recognizing that they are essential to a thriving economy. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life allows him to listen thoughtfully and lead with purpose.
What truly sets Samy apart is his character. He values collaboration, fairness, and
respect, and he approaches every conversation as a chance to learn and work toward
common ground. These qualities are exactly what we need in the Iowa Senate.
I am confident that Samy El-Baroudi will serve with integrity, compassion, and a strong
commitment to the people of Iowa. I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and
encourage others to do the same.
Kathy Hellstern
Neighborhood Leader
​I believe in Samy’s ability to translate the needs of his neighbors into action in the state
senate. His experience as an educator will help put Iowa back on track to make smart
educational choices. He cares about his district, he cares about Des Moines and he cares about a bright future for every Iowan.
Anne Marie Finkelstein
Lifelong Democrat
I met Samy last year not by choice but chance after my son met the girl of his dreams who is Samy's daughter. My son and she attended my Clive Democrats meeting one evening and my heart jumped for joy when I learned that her father was running for an Iowa Democratic Senate seat.
We are at a critical time in our state and nation where there is fear and anxiety due to recent events. In the movie South Pacific there is the song, "You've got to be Carefully Taught" with the lyrics, "You've got to be taught before it's too late, Before you are six or seven or eight, To hate all the people your relatives hate ----- You've got to be carefully taught!"
Reading, writing and arithmetic are important subjects however an important pillar of education is having our children learn how to work together and get along regardless of social, economic, racial & cultural differences, thus our children develop the needed life skill of conflict resolution. The Public School experience brings diverse groups together and helps our kids understand the world at large. We need a more peaceful world in the future.
Who better to represent Iowa than a trusted 30-year public school teacher who has the maturity, experience & wisdom to see us through these tough and difficult times. Samy is a bridge builder who has a deep love and devotion for the people in his community. As a Lifelong Democrat, I am on Team Samy!
Dave Miglin
Broadlawns Trustee
I've known Samy for several years as an advocate for public education and accessible healthcare; two priority issues to me personally. If elected, I'm 100% confident that Samy will work with his fellow legislators to develop policies that protect and adequately fund these two core areas in Polk County and across our state.
RuthAnn Gaines
IA House Representative
District 33
I have known and worked with Samy El-Baroudi for nearly 30 years. Sam is a hard worker and knows what the people in his district need. He ran a very successful campaign 2 years ago for House of Representatives which proved that he will be a great Senator. I really look forward to working with him as we collaborate to make this state #1. I’m proud to endorse Samy El-Baroudi and can’t wait to have him as my senator!
Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes
Des Moines School Board
Vice Chair
As someone who believes deeply in the power of public education, I’m proud to support Samy El-Baroudi for the Iowa Senate. Samy spent his career as a DMPS educator, dedicating his life to helping students succeed and strengthening our community.
Samy is someone who works hard and stands up for Iowa’s students and working families. I am confident that he will bring his perspective as an educator and his heart as a public servant to the State Capitol.
Anna Campos
East Des Moines community member, Mother and Advocate
As a former student of Sami El-Baroudi, and now as a community leader, mother, and advocate for our schools, I am proud to endorse him for the Iowa Senate. His influence on my life began in the classroom, but it did not end there. He has always been the kind of educator who sees the potential in young people, believes in their future, and helps them find their voice. Those are the same qualities we need representing us at the Capitol. In a time when so many decisions about our schools are made without the voices of those most affected, we need a leader who will speak for us and speak with us. I believe Samy is that leader.
Kalyn Cody
Former DMPS School Board
Former Teacher/DMEA
Samy is a leader who cares deeply about people and communities, with a particular emphasis on our schools, students, and teachers. He is a true collaborator who will enthusiastically represent us in the Iowa Senate.
Joe Judge
Former ISEA Treasurer
Having served as the former Treasurer of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), I have seen firsthand what it takes to manage complex priorities and advocate for the public good. It is from this professional vantage point that I proudly endorse Samy for the Iowa Senate.
I have worked closely with Samy and can attest to his exceptional fiscal judgment. He understands that a budget is a reflection of a community's values. Samy has the discipline and the foresight to prioritize the issues that truly matter—from investing in our classrooms to revitalizing the middle class.
Samy is the leader we need in the Senate for three key reasons:
Proven Financial Stewardship: He doesn't just advocate for spending; he advocates for investment. His ability to navigate fiscal challenges ensures that our tax dollars will be used effectively to support local businesses and raise the standard of living for all Iowans.
The "Teacher Voice" in Policy: As an educator, Samy knows the daily realities facing our students and families. He will be a fierce defender of our education system, ensuring it remains the pride of our state.
Unwavering Values: Whether fighting for reproductive rights or supporting a living wage, Samy’s courage is matched only by his integrity. He stands up for everyone who calls Iowa home.
We need a Senator who combines a heart for service with the sharp fiscal mind necessary to get things done. Samy is that leader. I invite you to join me in supporting his campaign for a stronger, fairer Iowa.
Sheila Brown
DMPS Associate Principal
Samy El-Baroudi is a tireless advocate for our students and for our community. He consistently holds high expectations for students and makes learning meaningful for everyone. Samy pushes us all to grow to better support the next generation. I am confident that Samy will continue to be a strong voice for our students and our schools! I'm proud to have worked with Samy for the past five years and endorse him for Iowa Senate!
Owen Hernandez
East High School Teacher
When my family first moved to Des Moines and I started my first teaching job, Samy was one of the first people I met. As a new teacher having a veteran like Samy to turn to during Covid was invaluable.
Samy has been a mentor to me as I have grown in my career. The depth of care he shows to his students and fellow teachers is a real reflection of how Samy treats everyone. Samy's focus has always been what's best for the people of the community and their future. I know that I can trust him to fight for my students, my family and all Iowans.
Ken Burgess
DMPS Teacher
I have known Samy since 1996 or 1997, when he arrived at East
High School as a Business Teacher. He immediately became a strong member of our staff and a student favorite. He has been a good friend of mine.
He has always been about improvement of student outcomes and school improvement. He was always someone that students
would come to work with on school activities or school projects. He took on Staff Leadership positions. He has been a great listener and a hard worker. He always wanted to lead our school to be the best.
Samy has also taken on new challenges like earning his Master's Degree and taking on a Virtual Learning Platform for Des Moines Schools. If he needed to learn about a problem, he worked hard to understand all sides and some of the complexities involved.
He has always been about where his feet are.
He would be a great choice for Senate District 17.
Rebecca Phondeth
Former Student, Entrepreneur, Local Iowa Business Owner
I met Samy as an economics student when he taught at East High School. Back then, he led his classrooms with candor, charisma, and a mutual respect for his students that immediately earned the attention of myself and my peers. Most memorable was his dedication to listen to his students, see things from their perspective, and work with them when he could. After I graduated and got to know him as an adult, I find those traits to be true to his character still. I have watched him fight injustice in the school system time and again, and I was completely unsurprised to learn he hopes to serve his community in a new way. Samy is passionately pro human and civil rights, and I believe his no-nonsense attitude and ability to command authority through respect of his fellow human beings will serve him well in defending District 17. He is not afraid to be loud and stand up for what is right, and we need more of that in Iowa's leaders.
Jake Atkins
Former Student
I’ve known Samy for over 20 years, and believe he will be a great choice to represent the people of this city.
We first met when he was my high school business/economics teacher at East High. He stood out as one of the few educators I had that actually seemed to care about the future of his students, not just getting to the next bell. Maybe that was the curriculum he wrote, teaching us about finances in a life after high school. Or maybe it’s just who he is as a person, always caring more about those around him than himself.
In a school as big as East High, it’s easy to feel overlooked. But in Mr. El-Baroudi’s classroom, we all mattered.
He listened to us when no one else had time to, and stopped what he was doing to make sure all of our voices were heard.
Samy and I have stayed close since I graduated in 2006 and I can confidently say that as your Senator he would treat you the same way he treated all of us.
B John Burns
Writer and Singer/Songwriter
I’ve known Samy El-Baroudi for over twenty years. Samy is personable, principled and extremely articulate on the issues. He is the type of representation we need desperately for Iowa.
Doug Cline
Good Friend
​I've known Samy El-Baroudi since our days being employed at the Sears Regional Credit Card Operations Center (RCCOC) in the early 1990s. I had the opportunity to observe an honest man who had excellent empathy skills while he assisted customers during their journey through financial hardships.
During our time at the RCCOC, I began seeking a major career shift into education. I recognized Samy’s ability to instruct and lead and encouraged him to pursue a role as a teacher.
The rest is a fantastic story of growth, commitment and love between a man and his destiny to make a difference in the life of every student he mentored. Since our early days we have remained good friends.
Samy is bringing this same passion for helping others as he continues this journey to make a difference for the betterment of his community by running for the Iowa Senate.
Please listen to what he has to say and vote for change. He is ready to be the difference we need in our State’s Capital; to be a positive transformation in the culture of our senate.
Jodi Grover
Educational Professional and Advocate
Samy El-Baroudi has a vital voice that we need the Iowa Senate. He will be an ally for students and educators, both of which groups have been short-changed for many years. Samy’s thirty-one years with Des Moines Public Schools demonstrates his commitment to the profession. As a business teacher, Samy’s experience as an educator goes beyond the traditional classroom walls, finding ways to partner with local businesses to bring his students real-world experiences and experts. I support Samy El-Baroudi’s candidacy for the Iowa Senate, because he will be a voice that makes a real difference as someone who fights for educators and our kids.
As someone who has worked with Samy in the field of education, I have been privileged to witness his dedication to the profession and his students first-hand, and I know that he will take that same dedication and passion to the Iowa Senate.