Christian Fong

In 2009 I ran for Governor, passionate to restore the Iowa Dream. That dream is slipping away under the weight of government. It is slipping away as state government stops reflecting the values of most of Iowa’s citizens. Restoration begins with the selection of public servants who will provide strong leadership, have a commitment to integrity and hard work, and be willing to stand strong for conservative principles.  As I look toward the future, my passion for Iowa remains strong.

My vision for Iowa was born within a family who understands just how special Iowa is. My father escaped from Communist China as his family was martyred for their Christian faith and for being business owners. From afar, he heard of this Land of Opportunity. When he came to America in 1963, as a legal immigrant, he was chasing the American dream. He embraced what it stands for – freedom, opportunity, responsibility to oneself and one’s community, a commitment and loyalty to neighbors, regardless of what they look like. Those stood in stark contrast to what he left behind. He embraced the American dream. Then, right here in Iowa, the American dream embraced him.

I call it the Iowa Dream, because those values are the bedrock of our state. My own life is a testament to how those strong values can allow someone to advance from humble beginnings, to lead and serve in his community and business.

I grew up as the fourth of eight kids, in lean times not unlike today. Yes, I was sometimes on free-and-reduced lunch programs, but it was anything but a poor upbringing. My parents, and my community (Underwood), modeled what it meant to work hard without complaining.

That work ethic got reinforced by working a paper route, framing houses and walking bean fields. I had great teachers who raised my expectations of what I could be. I graduated from Creighton University when I was nineteen, and went on to earn my M.B.A from Dartmouth College. When my wife, Jenelle, and I chose to move back to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, it was because we believe strongly in Iowa’s future. We’re raising our three kids here, because we expect they will be part of the most vibrant economic engine of the Midwest in a culture that reflects the strength of the Iowan spirit.

I have spent fourteen years in the private sector, working at places such as McKinsey & Company, at AEGON USA and now as an independent strategy consultant. I have spent years as a community leader, serving on boards and commissions, and as the President of Corridor Recovery, helping lead Cedar Rapids through flood recovery. Whether in business or my community, I've made the decision that my future is in Iowa.

Around Iowa, people are tired of politicians talking about hope and change. I invite Iowa to advance beyond just hoping. Let’s create an Iowa that we can believe in. Let us not just see change, but let us embrace restoration. Restoration of Iowa values that unify us together. Restoration of common-sense government that is smarter and smaller. Restoration of Iowa as the leader of our nation – first in the nation in small business climate, community-based solutions and education.

My father found the American Dream in Iowa. I will not look back and say, “I could have done more to preserve that.” We should do everything we can to keep that Iowa Dream alive, both for our neighbors, and our communities. Jenelle and I have three great kids – Luther and Ty Anders are eight and six years old, and our three year old girl, Elsa. Like every parent I know, I want Iowa’s greatness to be restored for the next generation, so that their lives are stronger and richer than my own. Together, we will pass on a prosperity rooted in the strong values of Iowa.