Mike Bergman Entered Race Against Cindy Golding
The candidate challenged Golding over her support for Iowa's private school funding legislation.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Homeschooling
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Mount Vernon resident Mike Bergman launched a campaign for the Iowa House to challenge incumbent Cindy Golding. Bergman entered the race specifically to oppose the state education savings account law.
Why it matters
The race centers on the Student First Act, which enables Iowa families to utilize public funds for private school tuition. The policy has sparked intense debate over public spending and the future of rural school districts.
The Student First Act, which became law on January 24, 2023, provides public funding for Iowa K-12 students to attend private schools. This program incurred costs of $347 million across fiscal years 2024 and 2025.
The players
Mike Bergman
He is a Mount Vernon resident and political candidate challenging for a seat in the Iowa House.
Cindy Golding
She is the incumbent representative who voted in favor of the state's education savings account law.
Rob Sand
He is a critic who has publicly spoken out against the education savings account program in Iowa.
Zach Lahn
He is a proponent who has described education savings accounts as a foundational freedom.
Scott Ellison
He is an analyst who has predicted significant shifts for rural school districts and private school availability.
The details
The Student First Act allows families to use public dollars for private school tuition and fees, a move championed by supporters as a foundational freedom. However, critics like Rob Sand have questioned the program, while analysts like Scott Ellison predict the policy could lead to increased pressure on smaller rural school districts and a proliferation of private schools.
Timeline
January 24, 2023: The Student First Act was signed into law.
Fiscal years 2024 and 2025: Education savings accounts cost $347 million.
Culture Shift
This election race reflects a broader societal shift as Iowa grapples with the implementation of the Student First Act. The contest highlights the tension between promoting private school choice and sustaining the traditional infrastructure of local public education systems.
The outcome of this race could influence future budgetary allocations for state education programs and the expansion of private school funding. Residents may see shifts in their local school district resources depending on the legislative stance of their representative.
The takeaway
The race highlights how state-level funding for private education has become a central point of contention for Iowa voters. Citizens should monitor upcoming legislative sessions to see how these policies impact their community schools and tax allocations.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing legislative debates regarding Homeschooling policies across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Iowan.
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