Derek Wulf pictured with his family including wife Dresden and daughters Aubrey and Claire. Photo submitted

Derek Wulf, a farmer/rancher from Hudson, recently announced he will be seeking the Republican nomination for Iowa House District 76.

Beginning with the 90th Iowa General Assembly in January 2023, the new House District 76 will encompass parts of the current House District 60 in Cedar Falls as well as Clark, Perry, Geneseo, and Buckingham townships in Tama County including the towns of Traer and Dysart.

Three rural townships in northwest Benton County including the town of Mount Auburn are also part of the new House district.

Wulf’s announcement sets up a competitive GOP primary for the seat following Cedar Falls resident Tony Chavez’s recent announcement he would also be pursuing the Republican nomination.

Wulf was born and raised in rural Black Hawk County where he graduated from Hudson High School before continuing his education at Iowa State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science.

Wulf worked in Iowa agribusiness for 15 years at Cargill as a Swine Nutrition and Production Specialist. He then spent two years as a Global Swine Production Specialist traveling Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe to train and support the global pork business.

Wulf has spent his lifetime building a successful livestock and crop operation in rural Black Hawk County on land that has been in his family for generations, according to a press release dated Monday, March 7.

“It’s critically important that the voices of our rural communities be heard so they can continue to grow and thrive for our children who will one day continue on our businesses, farms, and communities,” Wulf said in the press release.

“I’ll work to help our small businesses develop and grow, as well as continue to attract new investment. This area is the best place to live, work and raise a family but we need someone in Des Moines representing our small town interests and way of life. I am committed to fighting to keep rural Iowa strong for future generations,” Wulf further stated.

Wulf farms and ranches full-time. He and his family produce beef cattle, swine, corn, soybeans, and hay.

Wulf currently serves as Black Hawk County Cattleman President and is active on the Black Hawk County Fairboard, where he serves on the livestock committee. His wife, Dresden is an instructor in the Agriculture Department at Hawkeye Community College. They have two daughters, Aubrey and Claire, who both attend Hudson Elementary School and are active in youth rodeo and 4-H. The Wulf family attends Zion Lutheran Church in Hudson.

Hudson city council member Kate Wyatt announced her intentions earlier this year to run for the new House seat on the Democratic Party ticket.

The Primary Election in Iowa is set for Tuesday, June 7, 2022, while the General Election is set for Tuesday, November 8, 2022.