One state senator has made a decision about where he wants to continue with his remaining years of his first term following the adjustments with the new redistricting map.
Republican Senator Jesse Green recently announced that he is going to move into the new Senate District 24, which consists of Greene, Boone and Guthrie counties, along with western Story County and northwestern Dallas County. Green tells Raccoon Valley Radio his situation was unique in that he could’ve either stayed in Harcourt and represent Senate District 4 or move into the new Senate District 24.
Green says according to state law, since he is an even numbered district that the election falls on a presidential year, and as long as there is no incumbent living in a district, he can have his residency in that district and continue to serve the three years of his four-year term. He explains why he is choosing to move less than ten miles into Boone County instead of staying where he currently lives in Webster County in Harcourt.
“Literally, probably only ten-percent of that new District 4 voted for me. So part of me doesn’t feel right in that situation, even though I don’t have to move, part of me doesn’t feel right representing that district when I didn’t go through an election there. I want to serve the people that I went door-knocking to and asked for their vote just a year ago. That’s the only thing I feel comfortable with.”
Green says he didn’t make this decision lightly.
“My situation, I live on a fifth generation farm. I live on the very farm that my ancestors came to. So the thought of leaving that property is especially gut wrenching for me. But God has called me to serve at this time. It’s been such an honor to just get elected and I think I actually owe it to the constituents to do everything that I can to push the policies that I advocated for and at least serve out my term.”
Green adds February 1st is the deadline for an incumbent senator in his situation or a similar situation to declare residency in an open district or that district can be subjected to a primary next June and an election next November.