FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 12, 2025

Independent Candidate Sondra Wilson Challenges All Gubernatorial Candidates to Public Town Hall Debate

AMES, IOWA — Sondra Wilson, Independent candidate for Iowa Governor 2026 and Founder of Wild Willpower, is organizing a public town hall-style debate and formally invites all gubernatorial campaigns, media outlets, journalists, advertising sponsors, and venues or vendors interested in participating in this initial and subsequent debates.

The initial event will be held at Ames City Auditorium: https://www.cityofames.org/My-Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/City-Auditorium/City-Auditorium

List of Candidates:

Democrats:

Julie Stauch: https://www.juliestauchforalliowans.com/

Rob Sand: https://robsand.com/

Paul Dahl: (seeking contact info)

Republicans:

Eddie Andrews: https://www.eddie4iowa.com/

Brad Sherman: https://shermanforiowa.com/

Randy Feenstra: https://feenstraforgovernor.com/

Independents:

Sondra Wilson: https://wildwillpower.org/candidates/sondra-wilson-for-iowa-governor/

 

To all Candidates for Iowa Governor:

Please reply with two preferred dates from the list below by August 31 so we can coordinate scheduling. The following dates are all Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Suggested time: 7:00 pm.

September 30 & Oct 1

October 7,8

October 14,15

October 21, 22

““Gubernatorial candidates are receiving disproportionate amounts of coverage by media organizations, which is impacting public perception and causing bias.” said Wilson. “The purpose of this debate is to ensure that every candidate is given a fair shot and real opportunity to be heard. Iowans need to hear all the unfiltered voices of all the candidates, and weigh in on their options before the primaries.””

 

🗓️ Proposed Format & Parameters

This format allows for deeper, more thoughtful responses than typical town halls, while maintaining structure and fairness. To suggest amendments to the proposed format, please email WildWillpowerPAC@gmail.com.

Public Forum: This event will be open to the public and covered by local and statewide media. The event may also be livestreamed,.

Student Moderators: Moderated by a panel of college level students, who will be given instruction to ensure fair and effective treatment of all candidates. Student organizations from various colleges and universities will be contacted after the candidates have agreed on a date.

Town Hall Style, Candidates' Choice: Questions will be sourced from Iowa residents ahead of time, and each candidate will be allowed to select five questions from within the pool, three of which will be selected (in case more than one candidate selects the same question). 

Booths Available: Each candidate committee will be allowed to have a booth to offer campaign merch and handouts.

Opening Statements: 2 minutes per candidate

Audience Questions: 90 seconds per response;

Two Extensions Per Candidate: If a Candidate is not finishing answering a question, they may raise their hand to indicate additional time is needed for that question, and without pausing they may continue their response. Moderators will add one minute to the clock. Each Candidate is restricted to two extensions for the duration of the debate.

Zero Tolerance for Interruptions: Moderators will ensure mics of all other Candidates are cut when out of turn. Attempts to interrupt or distract will not be tolerated. Two strikes, you're out. Candidates may indicate to the Moderators that they need a rebuttal.

Rebuttals (optional): 60 seconds;

Two Extensions: An extension may be used during a rebuttal, in which case the extension will count toward the Candidate's two extensions..

Closing Statements: 2 minutes per candidate.

Moderator Role: Enforce time limits, ensure equal opportunity, and facilitate respectful dialogue.

Audience Participation: Questions submitted in advance or live via moderated queue.

 

📣 RSVP & Participation

Seeking:

  • Venues willing to host subsequent events.
  • Vendors for livestreaming, sound, seating, and accessibility support.
  • Media outlets and journalists. 
  • Businesses (philanthropists,  etc) interested in helping to sponsor the event.
  • Campaigns from all parties to confirm participation.

To RSVP or inquire:

📧 Email: WildWillpowerPAC@gmail.com

🌐 Website: www.WildWillpower.org

📞 Phone: (515) 357-9725

 

"In this country we have one great privilege which they don’t have in other countries. When a thing gets to be absolutely unbearable the people can rise up and throw it off. That’s the finest asset we’ve got—the ballot box.”

— Mark Twain, interview in Boston, 1905