Fort Dodge City Councilwoman Jen Crimmins has announced her candidacy for reelection, saying she wants to continue serving “a community I love deeply and one that I believe in.”

She is seeking a second term representing Ward 1, which includes the western and northwestern parts of the city, part of downtown and Pleasant Valley.

“Ward 1 is home to some truly exciting developments, including the Northwest River District project and the revitalization of our riverfront area, initiatives I’ve been proud to support and will continue to champion,” she said. “I want to help ensure this progress continues in a thoughtful and sustainable way that benefits everyone.”

“While I’m still early in my council tenure, with just under two years served, I’ve already learned a great deal and have worked hard to listen, respond, and advocate for residents both within and beyond my ward,” she added.

In addition to serving on the council, she is a member of the Leadership Fort Dodge Committee, Iowa Central Community College Foundation Board, and the Main Street Fort Dodge Strategic Planning Committee.

Crimmins, of 140 Country Club Drive, is the senior vice president of Citizens Community Credit Union. In that role, she oversees human resources, compliance, information technology, marketing and facilities.

She is a graduate of Bishop Heelan Catholic School in Sioux City and earned a bachelor’s degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

She and her husband Jake, have three children.

“It’s my family, especially my children, who inspired me to run for City Council in the first place, and they continue to motivate my commitment to building a better Fort Dodge,” Crimmins said.

She is the only candidate for the Ward 1 council seat so far.

Others who have announced their candidacies for city office are Councilman Dave Flattery, who is running for mayor, and council hopefuls Michael Haubrich (at-large), former Councilman Terry Moehnke (at-large), Councilman Cameron Nelson (Ward 2) and Todd McCubbin (Ward 3).

Mayor Matt Bemrich is not running for a fifth term and Councilwoman Lydia Schuur is not running for a third term as an at-large member of the council.