Nick Miller (right) upon filing candidate papers; photo courtesy of Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate

The filing period for state and federal legislative offices up for election this year officially began this past Monday, and a local race is already contested.

Democrat Nick Miller from Polk City filed his nomination papers for Iowa’s 19th House District with the Secretary of State’s Office. The seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Chris Hagenow of Urbandale, and the district encompasses much of Dallas County – apart from the five northwest townships and the cities of Clive, Waukee, and West Des Moines – as well as the northwest corner of Polk County. Miller is a 2017 graduate of North Polk High School, and is currently an undergraduate at Drake University studying strategic political communication and sociology. He also owns an event and entertainment business with his brother. In 2018 and 2019, Miller got experience at the State Legislature, working as a clerk for Representative Bruce Bearinger, (D) District 64.

The state and federal filing period for the June 2nd primary election lasts until March 13th. The county office period is from March 2-25. Candidates can obtain paperwork from the Secretary of State’s website and turn them in at their offices in Des Moines.