(Keota, IA ) -- An Iowa man who recently got out of prison has filed his campaign paperwork to run for the Iowa State House. Grant Hill, a registered sex offender, is seeking election in House District 88, which includes Keokuk County and parts of Washington and Jefferson Counties.
"I had just gotten out of prison. I knew I wanted to run for something—I needed to do something with my life. I'm running for Iowa House District 88, which covers Keokuk County and parts of Washington and Jefferson Counties. I recently filed with the FEC to run for Congress in Iowa’s First District, so there was also a filing error—I didn’t drop down and click the right year," said Grant Hill of Keota, in Southeast Iowa.
Hill filed campaign committee information for both the U.S. Congress in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, challenging incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and for the Iowa State House District 88. He says he does plan to run for Congress in 2032 or 2036.
Hill has two convictions from 2022, one involving a 13-year-old boy.
"What I did was serious, and I’ve never tried to make excuses for it. I spent almost three years in prison—I did two years and nine months. What I’m trying to focus on now is really working on having a work-life balance and making meaningful connections with the people that matter, which is why I think something like this is really healthy," said Hill.
He tells our newsroom that he wants a second chance in life and believes he offers what people in Iowa House District 88 are looking for.
"Honestly, I think people are looking for someone who’s real. I think they want someone who listens first and speaks plainly—not someone who hides behind buzzwords. People want more transparency, more honesty, and someone they can relate to," said Hill.
Hill says he believes others support his campaign message, which focuses on jobs and improving economic conditions for Iowans.
The seat is currently held by Republican Helena Hayes, who was re-elected to a second term in 2024. His campaign website is ThePeoplesHill.com.
"Some people are going to be shocked. Some people will be angry. Some people will send me death threats—I’ve already gotten those, and I understand that," said Hill.