The Women Who Made a Difference is focusing on Senate 24 Candidate Margaret Liston. This district encompasses 3 full counties( Boone, Greene, and Guthrie) and portions of northern Dallas and western Story.

Margaret is one of the 6 women running for a Senate seat. They are challenging 5 men, as Nicole Loew is running against a female Republican Amy Sinclair. In the Iowa House of the 81 contested seats, 21 are women.

Margaret attended the second CAMPAIGN 101 in Kalona last April. She states, “I learned so much, particularly creating and giving my stump speech.” She encourages other women interested in running for office in the future to attend the upcoming event in Charles City on August 10.

Margaret has lived in Iowa her whole life. She is a Mother, Wife, Grandmother, Nurse, and Community Activist.

Born in Perry, Iowa, and raised in the village of Beaver, Margaret is the second youngest of seven children, instilling in her a deep sense of collaboration and hard work from an early age. Growing up in Beaver, she understands the struggles rural communities encounter, particularly the lack of resources to attract families, businesses, and companies. This understanding fuels her commitment to improving the health and welfare of citizens in these small communities, revitalizing business districts that will be attractive to potential employers, and upholding core values that have made Iowa so special.

Her beliefs include

• Iowans care deeply about our once commendable public school system and want to re-establish it and stop the closures of more rural Iowa schools.
• Iowans know it’s wrong for the government to steal Iowa farmland for the profit of private corporations.
• Iowans are intelligent enough to make their own healthcare choices.
• Iowans are responsible enough to determine for themselves what books they want their children to read.

Margaret is a lifelong learner. Her educational journey reflects her commitment to continuous learning and service. After attending Ogden High School, Margaret earned a GED in Harlan, IA, became a Licensed Practical Nurse, earned an Associate degree to become a Registered Nurse from DMACC, and further pursued a Bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing. Her dedication to public service led her to achieve a Master of Public Administration, rounding out her extensive educational background.

Margaret’s impact on her community is further underscored by her role as a City Council woman for the City of Ogden, currently embarking on her fifth term. Her influence extends beyond politics as she co-chairs the city’s community garden, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and sustainable living. Margaret is also deeply involved in the educational realm, serving as a volunteer mentor within Ogden Elementary School and contributing as a substitute school nurse and associate, supporting students throughout their school day.

I observe Margaret to be a tireless energetic woman. She has been in small town parades in every one of the counties she will represent. She is willing and does communicate with persons who will be her constituents. Her T-shirt slogan is LISTON WILL LISTEN. She has knocked on 3000 doors.

Margaret is breaking a rural glass ceiling as she seeks to oust current Senator Republican Jesse Green.

Thank you for your willingness to serve as a public protector of our rural communities, and lifestyle.