DES MOINES, Iowa — Rev. Rob Johnson announced his run for Iowa House District 34, just days after Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, a Democrat, announced his impending retirement.
"We're about to change the game, and we believe in us," Johnson said.
The community advocate is hoping to take his experience in the community to the statehouse, with goals of continuing Abdul-Samad's legacy.
"I'm excited to run, but I'm really tired with what's happening in our state," Johnson said. "There are so many people that we talk to everyday who are just literally struggling to pay their bills, to just make simple ends meet."
Johnson is commonly known throughout the community for his annual gas giveaways and his presence in the schools. If elected, he says the main issues he hopes to tackle are helping constituents pay the bills and increasing voter turnout.
While Johnson has goals of his own, he also plans to carry on Abdul-Samad's legacy.
"We have an opportunity to continue the legacy that Ako has put out there," Johnson said. "He's been an advocate for all of those things that we just discussed, he's not going to stop being an advocate. He's just coming down from the House."
Johnson said that he spoke with Abdul-Samad about running for this seat, and after Abdul-Samad's endorsement and encouraging conversation, he was motivated to step up.
"I'll tell you this, a lot of people have said 'Rob, those are big shoes to fill.' I'll be the first to tell you I'm not trying to fill those shoes," Johnson said. "Those are shoes that cannot be filled by anyone besides Ako himself."
Johnson's hopes to find success throughout his campaign by being himself and standing up for what he believes in.
Johnson has already earned more than 50 notable endorsements, and his campaign says there are still more to be announced.