Harkin endorses Mecham

Former U.S. Senator Tom Harkin has endorsed Zach Mecham for Iowa Senate District 19, pointing to Mecham’s work ethic, understanding of policy, and commitment to helping people build better lives.

“We need people like Zach in the State Senate,” Harkin said in a video announcing his support. “He understands policy. He’s very smart. He has a big heart.”

Harkin and Zach first met about ten years ago, when Zach was a student at Drake University and came to work at The Harkin Institute. The endorsement reflects a relationship built through years of disability advocacy and public policy work.

Harkin praised Mecham’s commitment to “policies that lift people up” and “a good  education for all our kids.”

For Mecham, the support is personal. Harkin helped lead the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, opening opportunities for generations of disabled Americans.

“It’s an honor to know someone like Tom. Without his work I wouldn’t be here. There’s no chance,” Mecham wrote in the post accompanying the video. “I hope I can do him proud if I’m elected to the Iowa Senate.”

Zach is an entrepreneur, an award-winning filmmaker, and a disability advocate. He has spent nearly a decade working to change policy in Iowa. His campaign focuses on making sure working families can afford homes and healthcare, supporting public education, and protecting the services that help disabled and aging Iowans live in their communities.

Mecham credits public supports with helping him live independently and build his business. He is running to make sure others have those same opportunities.

Watch the endorsement video. Learn more at mecham4iowa.com.