Karen Varley
Karen Varley District 23 covers parts of Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Madison, Union Counties. In the November 3, 2026 general election, Karen Varley faces Ray Sorensen for the District 23 seat currently held by Ray Sorensen (R).
Campaign site
“Clean water is essential to the health, safety, and prosperity of every Iowa community. In rural areas, families and farmers often depend on private wells and local waterways for drinking water, agriculture, and recreation. Protecting water quality safeguards public health, supports Iowa's agricultural economy, preserves our natural resources, and ensures clean water for future generations.”
(Candidate statement) “In rural areas, families and farmers often depend on private wells and local waterways for drinking water, agriculture, and recreation. Protecting water quality safeguards public health, supports Iowa's agricultural economy, preserves our natural resources, and ensures clean water for future generations.”
(Candidate statement) “Sustainable agriculture is essential to Iowa's future, especially in rural communities where farming drives local economies and supports generations of families. Responsible farming practices protect soil, water, and wildlife while maintaining productive farmland. Investing in sustainability helps farmers remain profitable, strengthens rural communities, preserves Iowa's agricultural heritage, and ensures our farms can feed future generations.”
(Candidate statement)Ray Sorensen
Ray Sorensen District 23 covers parts of Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Madison, Union Counties. According to the Iowa General Assembly member profile, Ray Sorensen lists Mural Artist/Business Owner as occupation and resides in Adair County. In the 91st General Assembly, Ray Sorensen serves on the Appropriations, Economic Growth and Technology (Chair), Veterans Affairs committees.
“Right now kratom remains legal — products can be tested, labels can be required, age restrictions can be enforced. (If) it becomes Schedule I, the legal market disappears. Products move to black markets, there's zero testing, there's no consumer protection. For concerns of safety, banning the product entirely may actually make it less safe.”
(Candidate statement) “My hope is to have a bipartisan amendment that makes this bill something that this committee is proud of, our voters and candidates and election officials are proud of, and our technology industry can at least live with.”
(Candidate statement)