Tyler Olson Offers 'Fresh Perspective' in Race for Iowa Gov.

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Former Iowa Democratic Chairman, Tyler Olson, announced as expected Tuesday that he would make a run for Iowa governor.

“Our state has tremendous opportunity ahead of it, but we need new leadership and a fresh perspective that understands the rapid pace of change in the world and economy to reach our full potential,” said Olson in a prepared statement Tuesday. “I think Iowans are ready to begin the next thirty years instead of living at end of the last thirty. I have the experience and energy to lead us into Iowa's next chapter.” 

A spokesman for Olson said the Cedar Rapids man would make stops in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Mason City.

The Des Moines Register said Olson would be a fresh face in the race and that Olson is unknown to 72 percent of people who responded in a recent poll about the lawmaker.

The announcement said Olson is a sixth-generation Iowan living in Cedar Rapids with his family and is vice president of Paulson Electric.

“He led fights for early childhood education, access to healthcare and a new perspective on job creation that focuses less on subsidizing large companies and more on growing small business and startups,” according to the release.