Justin Clark is an entrepreneur and husband in Dallas County. Chris Farber is a businessman, husband, and father in Waukee.
For most of our adult lives, we’ve tried to vote for the person, not the party. Neither of us has ever been interested in politics as a sport. We care about who seems steady, who understands everyday life, and who we trust to make decent decisions for Iowa.
Justin voted for U.S. Representative Zach Nunn—even recently—because at the time, he thought Nunn understood families like his and the realities most Iowans deal with.
Chris was a Republican for his entire adult life until 2016. That wasn’t casual. It was rooted in how he was raised and what he believed about responsibility, work, and keeping government practical.
This isn’t a story about flipping sides overnight. It’s about paying attention.
Over the last two years, both of us started looking less at party labels and more at behavior. Who shows up. Who listens. Who actually seems interested in helping people instead of chasing headlines, scoring points, or just raising money.
That’s what led us to Jennifer Konfrst.
Jennifer understands working families because she comes from one. She grew up in a union household. She knows what it means to work hard, depend on your paycheck, and expect a fair deal in return. That’s not something you can fake, and it shows in how she approaches the job.
She also understands Iowa farming and rural life, because she comes from a farm family. She knows what it means to rely on the land, the weather, and your neighbors. In a state like Iowa, that matters. Farming isn’t a talking point; it’s a way of life.
What really sealed it for both of us, though, is how Jennifer treats people.
We’ve watched her show up for Iowans who felt ignored or brushed aside. We’ve seen her take calls, listen carefully, and follow through. She doesn’t talk down to people. She doesn’t disappear once the cameras are gone. She does the work, even when it’s not flashy. She’s the only candidate who seems to care about the people, more than the money. That is refreshing.
There’s also a personal side to this that probably sounds familiar to a lot of independent and conservative men:
For the first time in many years, we don’t argue with our wives about politics. We finally agree on a candidate, and that kind of calm at the dinner table doesn’t happen unless the choice is obvious. Jennifer is the only Democratic candidate running for Congress who can win over Republican men. She’s already done it with us, and with people we know and trust.
Many people have asked, “What changed?” The answer is simple: we didn’t abandon our values to support Jennifer Konfrst. We followed them.
So yes, Justin voted for Zach Nunn. Chris spent most of his life voting Republican. But this year, we’re both voting for Jennifer Konfrst.
Not because of pressure. Not to make our wives happy, and definitely not because of party loyalty. But because she shows up, listens, and treats people with respect.
That’s the kind of leadership Iowa needs.
Editor’s note: Bleeding Heartland welcomes guest commentaries by any Democratic candidate running for office in 2026, or by their supporters. Please read these guidelines and contact Laura Belin if you are interested in writing.