The political shuffle Gov. Kim Reynolds started by declaring she would not seek reelection next year brought state Sen. Lynn Evans to Fort Dodge Wednesday.

With U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, hinting he may run for governor, Evans is exploring a bid to replace him in Congress.

The Republican from Aurelia said he believes it is important that the state’s Fourth Congressional District be represented by someone who reflects the district’s values of faith, family and hard work.

“I reflect the values of this district and I will continue to reflect the values of this district moving forward,’ he said.

Evans is in his first term as a state senator. His district includes parts of Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, O’Brien and Osceola counties.

He is an assistant majority leader. He is also the chairman of the Senate Education Committee.

Additionally, he serves on the Ethics, Government Oversight, Judiciary and Natural Resources committees.

Evans is retired from a 33-year-career in education during which he served as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent of schools. His last position was superintendent of the Alta-Aurela Community School District.

He described himself as an “early endorser” of President Donald Trump.

“I really look forward to being an asset and advancing the president’s agenda,” he said.

Trump, he said, is “putting us on top as the leader of the free world.”

The tariffs that Trump has enacted are a negotiation tool, he said, to get better trade deals.

“I think long term it’s going to be beneficial for the U.S.,” he said.

Evans said he is a “medical freedom guy” who doesn’t believe anyone should be denied employment for refusing to get a vaccine.

A negotiated peace between Ukraine and Russia should be the goal of the United States, he said.

He added that he supports an “all of the above” energy strategy. But he said that subsidies for energy production must be phased out over time rather than staying in place indefinitely.

About Lynn Evans

Town: Aurelia

Current position: State senator

Occupation: Retired from 33 year career in education

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Westmar College in Le Mars, master’s degree in education administration and education specialist degree from Drake University in Des Moines

Family: Wife, Midge; two children; one grandchild