(515) 274-4620
ron@langstonforsenate.org
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Waving American flag against a backdrop of dramatic clouds

i am Running to Serve

Senate District 17 is of the most diverse and densely populated districts. There are real challenges, including jobs, rising living costs, school funding pressures, and access to affordable health care. Families, individuals, and small businesses need and deserve leadership that listens, shows up, and delivers results. I have spent time listening to working families, seniors, and young people who all want a safe and affordable future but have found themselves frustrated by a political system that feels disconnected from their lives. Too often, decisions at the Capitol feel distant from the people they directly affect. I believe a government works best when it is grounded in the community, focused on solutions, and accountable to the people it serves. 
I am committed to listening first, respecting diverse perspectives, building consensus, and working across the political divide to deliver results and practical solutions that reflect the values and priorities of the Senate District, while being guided by the values of personal integrity, service, and respect.

Priorities

  • Affordable health care access—and action to reduce Iowa’s high cancer rates.
  • Strong, competitive public schools that prepare students for today’s jobs.
  • Entrepreneurship, good-paying jobs, and economic development in every neighborhood.
  • Property tax relief that protects homeowners and seniors.

Political Philosophies

  • Moderation. Cooperation. Respect.
  • Effective government depends on political cooperation, shared purpose, and civic respect.
  • The politics of moderation are essential to good governance.
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Work Experience

Public Service and Appointments

  • Presidential Appointee (Senior Executive Service), George W. Bush Administration — National Director, Minority Business Development Agency (Washington, D.C.).
  • Presidential Appointee, Reagan Administration — Special Assistant, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Iowa Transportation Commissioner, Iowa Department of Transportation (Governor Branstad Administration).
  • Chairman, Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans (Governor Branstad Administration).
  • Legislative Assistant, U.S. Senator Roger W. Jepsen (Iowa) — Washington, D.C.
  • Research Analyst, Iowa Legislative Service Bureau — State Capitol, Des Moines, Iowa (legislative bill drafting; staffed House and Senate legislative committees).

Political and Governmental Experience

  • National Director, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA.gov), U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
  • George H.W. Bush Presidential Campaign, Iowa.
  • Commissioner, Iowa Department of Transportation.
  • Vice President, Governmental Affairs, The Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Federation.
  • Chairman, Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans.
  • George W. Bush Presidential Campaign, Iowa.
  • Office of Congressional Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C.
  • Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Roger W. Jepsen ®, Iowa, Washington, D.C.
  • Research Analyst, Iowa Legislative Service Bureau (Agency). Iowa State Capitol.
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  • Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.
  • Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government — Master of Public Administration (Public Policy Emphasis).
  • Baruch College, City University of New York — Master of Public Administration. (Administrative Management emphasis); Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
  • University of Iowa — B.A., Political Science.

Education

I believe serving the people must be built on trust, accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness. I promise to deliver steady, solutions-focused leadership that puts people ahead of politics, and I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote on November 3, 2026.

A Campaign of Trust

  • Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Mu Omicron Chapter.
  • Sigma Pi Phi Boule, Epsilon Chapter
  • Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Fraternal Organizations

  • President and CEO, FUELIowa (retired) — statewide petroleum association.
  • Vice President, EMCO Manufacturing — Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Principal Financial Group (Des Moines) — National Markets.
  • Vice President, Governmental Affairs, Greater Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
  • Executive Leadership: Led teams and managed complex, cross-sector initiatives across government, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Business and Nonprofit Leadership Roles

  • Member, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church — Des Moines, Iowa.
  • Member, NAACP (Iowa/Nebraska) — Legislative Redress Committee.
  • President, Harvard Club of Iowa (2003–2006).
  • Member, Rotary Club of Des Moines.
  • Trustee, Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.
  • Former Trustee, Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • Contributor, Outside In, History of African Americans in Iowa 1838-2000, Chapter 14, Politics.

Community Involvement

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Join Us

Contact us today at Langston for Senate and ensure that local voices are heard through Ronald N. Langston.
(515) 274-4620
Address:3301 Kingman Boulevard, Des Moines, Iowa 59311
ron@langstonforsenate.org