IA-03: Cindy Axne (D)
Cindy Axne is an Iowan, a small business owner, parent and now the U.S. Representative for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.
A fifth-generation Iowan, Cindy grew up in a tight-knit family on the south side of Des Moines. Cindy’s parents raised her and her sisters to speak their minds and not be afraid to take on tough fights — even when it was uncomfortable. That is the principle that has defined Cindy’s adult life — from holding state government accountable to the people it serves, to advocating for all-day kindergarten for every child in West Des Moines, to fighting to stop a local government plan to use state park land and private property to build an unnecessary new road.
In 2007, when her older son started kindergarten, Cindy learned that full-day kindergarten was not available to every child in West Des Moines public schools, with eligibility determined by a lottery. Cindy was outraged at the inequity of the system and concerned that students were being shortchanged. She spent the following academic year advocating and negotiating with principals, the school board and the superintendent. After nearly a year, her efforts paid off and full-day kindergarten was made available to all students in the district.
From 2005 to 2014, Cindy worked for the state of Iowa, helping over 20 different state agencies deliver government services more effectively and efficiently for taxpayers. Since then, she has focused on growing the digital design firm she runs with her husband John.
Cindy is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She lives in West Des Moines with her family.
The biographical information above was sourced from the candidate’s campaign website, see links above for more information.
