Press Release: Candidacy announcement
Carter Lake, Iowa, November 7, 2025 — Eric Armstrong, a native Iowan, family man, businessman, and entrepreneur, has officially announced his candidacy for Iowa House Representative in District 20.
Eric Armstrong values community and is a staunch supporter of individual rights and freedoms. He seeks to represent the western Iowa border communities of Carter Lake and northern Council Bluffs, focusing on eliminating state-to-state disparities in minimum wage, tax incentives, public education, and access to pre-K childcare that stifle local growth.
Armstrong reiterates concerns from neighbors, noting, “The imbalance in economic development opportunities between Iowa and Nebraska is drastic. The visible growth in Omaha, marked by new buildings and cranes, is the opposite of the sluggishness observed in neighboring Iowa communities.” Citing a Des Moines Register article from September 25th, Armstrong added, “While Iowa’s population is slowly growing, border cities along the rivers are shrinking.”
New to the political arena, Armstrong is not associated with any political dynasty. During the 2025 legislative session, he led the civilian wing of a grassroots initiative—championed by Josh Turek, the current representative of Iowa District 20, now seeking a statewide office—that successfully changed a DNR administrative code pertaining to Iowa-managed dock structures. Armstrong’s extensive business experience and negotiating skills contributed to bipartisan committee discussions at the Capitol. “Through my extensive time in Des Moines this year,” he said, “I recognized that I can make a difference for the people of Carter Lake and Council Bluffs.”
Armstrong’s Key Priorities for Border Communities
Equalizing the minimum wage between the states. The Nebraska minimum wage is double that of Iowa.
Driving equal benefits across state lines to support retention and recruitment of Iowa educators.
Supporting working families by expanding access to pre-K childcare.
Aligning economic development tax incentives. The 20-year tax deferment for businesses in Nebraska is double that of Iowa, making it challenging for Council Bluffs and Carter Lake to compete for economic investment and job growth.
Armstrong added that Atlas Migration Patterns Study places Iowa 7th among states with the highest rate of residents leaving per capita. Retaining Iowans is a critical priority for sustaining local communities and fostering long-term growth. “Let’s give our young Iowans a reason to stay in Iowa!” he said.