Mary Kathleen Figaro, candidate for District 4's representative | facebook.com/109227931656621/photos/pb.100077574996124.-2207520000../109229188323162/?type=3
Mary Kathleen Figaro, candidate for District 4's representative | facebook.com/109227931656621/photos/pb.100077574996124.-2207520000../109229188323162/?type=3
A Haitian immigrant is among medical doctors who have announced their candidacy for the Iowa Legislature because of what they view as a “sick” system.
Mary Kathleen Figaro, a Bettendorf doctor, is running as a Democrat for the seat in Senate District 47. Figaro officially announced her candidacy Jan. 18 for the open seat that represents Eldridge, Bettendorf, Riverdale, Panorama Park and parts of LeClaire and Davenport, the Quad City Times said.
Iowa Sen. Roby Smith (R-Davenport), who represents Senate District 47, announced in a December 2021 release from his campaign that he is running for Iowa state treasurer, in a challenge to incumbent Michael Fitzgerald.
“I feel called to run for State Senate because Iowans need a champion for families and public health,” Figaro said on Facebook. “Throughout my career as a physician, I have prioritized being an advocate for patients and families who entrust me with their health. As State Senator, my goal is doing good smarter; I will give my constituents the same care and attention I give my patients.”
Figaro advocates for small business owners, workers, families, accessible health care and childcare assistance. Born in 1970 in Haiti, she immigrated with her parents to the United States. In her own practice, she an endocrinologist, her website said.
Other doctors running for the Iowa Legislature include Democratic candidate Austin Baeth of Des Moines, who is running for House District 36 “because our system is sick and I’m a doctor with experience fixing complex problems,” he said on his website. Baeth is an internal medicine doctor at a clinic and is an adjunct professor teaching medicine for the University of Iowa.
Iowa state Rep. Marti Anderson (D-Des Moines), who represents House District 36, is retiring.
Infectious disease physician Megan Srinivas is running for Iowa House District 30, her website said. Based in Des Moines, Srinivas is a physician at Broadlawns Medical Center.
“During the last 20 months of the pandemic, you've trusted me to help keep you safe," Srinivas said on her website. "Now I’m asking you to trust me with your vote.”
Each of the doctors running has opponents in the district primary races, KCCI Des Moines said.
The primary election is June 7, the Iowa Secretary of State said.
Alerts Sign-up