By Christina Fernández-Morrow
In Iowa, Latino candidates are stepping up to serve their communities. Many are running for city council and school board positions, focusing on youth support, education, and equitable representation.
City council and school board elections will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 across Iowa.
Meet the candidates
Storm Lake resident Charles Hernandez is running as a write-in candidate for mayor in the Nov. 4 election. Known for his decades of community organizing—from March of Dimes fundraisers to autism awareness events and back-to-school block parties to raise money for Storm Lake schools, Hernandez has built a reputation for creating connections among residents. His priorities include strengthening communication between residents and city government, supporting young people, seniors, and veterans, and bringing more recreational and entertainment options to the community.
Endi Montalvo-Martinez, Des Moines
Endi Montalvo-Martinez describes himself as a community activist and organizer, lifelong Des Moines resident committed to equity and opportunity. The son of Mexican immigrants and an East High alum, he recently earned his degree from Iowa State University. His endorsements for Des Moines City Council At-Large include school board member Anna Campos, the Central Iowa Democratic Socialists of America, and Run for Something, a group that supports emerging candidates. Montalvo-Martinez’s campaign is centered on empowering working families and improving city services for residents in all neighborhoods.
Rob Barron, Des Moines
A Des Moines native and father of two, Rob Barron brings years of civic leadership to his campaign for City Council, Ward 1. Barron founded the Latino Political Network to help prepare Latinos across Iowa to run for office and currently serves as executive director of Seed Coalition, a civic engagement network of 45 colleges and universities. In 2013, he became the first Latino elected to public office in Polk County when he joined the Des Moines School Board, where he served eight years. Barron’s endorsements include Ruth and Tom Harkin, Rep. Rob Johnson, and the Iowa Unity Coalition. His campaign highlights equitable development, safety, and affordable housing for all Des Moines residents.
Maria Alonzo, Des MoinesMaria Alonzo is seeking re-election to the DMPS School Board At-Large seat, with support from the Iowa Unity Coalition. A longtime advocate and counselor for Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services, Alonzo has dedicated over 25 years to supporting families in crisis. She holds a bachelor’s in social work from Iowa State University and a master’s in counseling from Drake University. As co-founder of Giant Peaks Soccer and an active AFSCME member, Alonzo focuses on educational equity, inclusion, and student wellness.
Hector Hernandez, Ottumwa
Hector Hernandez, a transportation planner for the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission Ottumwa is running for city council. A graduate of Iowa State University with degree in community and regional planning that he used as a city planner for Marshalltown, and as a board member of the Marshalltown Central Business District, Hernandez understands what makes a city vibrant and aims to bring that to Ottumwa.
Himar Hernandez, Ottumwa
A community and economic development professional, Himar Hernandez currently serves as assistant director at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. With degrees from William Penn University, Buena Vista University, and Indian Hills College, Hernandez brings both academic and practical expertise to his campaign. His focus is on supporting schools as drivers of community growth and opportunity in Ottumwa.
Anadelia Morgan, West Des Moines
Anadelia Morgan, who now serves as president of the West Des Moines Community Schools Board of Education, is seeking re-election in the race for West Des Moines School Board. Formerly with the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, she has a background in federal grant management and community organizing. A graduate of the University of Nebraska Omaha, she co-founded the Families of Students of Color affinity group, advocating for culturally responsive education and family engagement in the West Des Moines school district.
Jessica Lopez Walker, Sioux City
Jessica Lopez Walker, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and longtime Sioux City resident, is campaigning for a seat on the Sioux City Council. A mother, foster parent, and small-business owner, Lopez Walker also serves as president of the National Organization for Women in Sioux City. After her 2024 run for the Iowa House, she continues to push for inclusive leadership and fresh perspectives in local government.
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