DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines City Council Ward 1 candidate Kimberley Strope-Boggus has suspended her campaign and endorsed Chris Coleman instead.
Strope-Boggus announced on Wednesday that her run has come to an end.
Her statement reads in part: "After much discussion and deliberation with friends and family, it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to suspend my campaign for Des Moines City Council Ward One. I sincerely appreciate all of the support I have received since announcing in September, and I will forever be grateful for their time, donations, and encouragement."
She was the first of seven candidates to run for the vacancy created by Indira Sheumaker's resignation. The special election — which came about after months of silence from Sheumaker led constituents to call for her removal — will give Des Moines' northwest side representation once again.
Coleman, who is currently president of the Iowa chapter of the Better Business Bureau, previously served on the city council from 1998 to 2020.
"I have admired Kimberley Strope-Boggus for a long time. Her support is a personal highlight of my campaign for Des Moines City Council in Ward 1," Coleman wrote on Facebook. "Her commitment to our city, to those struggling, and to her growing family is inspiring to me and many."
According to Strope-Boggus' announcement, his experience and reliability is part of the reason she endorsed him.
“Chris Coleman has the leadership experience that we desperately need on City Council right now. He will be able to navigate upcoming projects and development in Ward One which will benefit all residents," the announcement reads. "We need a Councilperson who not only shows up but gets things done, and I know Chris will do that. It’s with a humble heart that I ask those supporting me to put, like I have, your trust in Chris Coleman to deliver for Des Moines."
Here's who is still in the running for Ward 1 council seat:
- Rob Barron
- Chris Coleman
- Dennis McCullough
- Kathy Hellstern
- RJ Miller
- Rose Marie Smith