Chris Jones

Chris Jones, a Democratic candidate, is running for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 2026. A former University of Iowa research engineer and adjunct associate professor, he retired in 2023 after a career focused on water quality, including time at Des Moines Water Works and the Iowa Soybean Association. Jones, who holds a Ph.D. in chemistry, co-founded the nonprofit Iowa Driftless Water Defenders and authors "The Swine Republic" newsletter, advocating for holding agriculture accountable for pollution and reforming economic incentives for environmentally safer farming. He announced his campaign in front of Des Moines Water Works offices, emphasizing that elevated nitrate levels are unacceptable.