While much of the political world debates the content and reactions to President Donald Trump’s speech before Congress, two Iowans focused on personal experiences that made the night meaningful beyond politics.
Honoring a Daughter’s Memory
Scott Root attended as a guest of Senator Joni Ernst, using the moment to remember his daughter, Sarah Root, and the law passed in her honor.
- Sarah Root, from Council Bluffs, was killed in 2016 by a drunk driver who was in the country illegally.
- The suspect fled the country before trial.
- Senator Ernst and others pushed for a law requiring authorities to detain undocumented immigrants accused of causing death or serious injury until trial.
For Scott Root, the speech wasn’t just about policy—it was about keeping his daughter’s story alive.
A Small-Town Mayor’s Vision for Growth
Jeremy Lundquist, the mayor of Runnells, attended as a guest of U.S. Representative Zach Nunn.
- Runnells, a town of about 450 people in Polk County, is working on a major water project to support growth.
- Lundquist hopes to discuss infrastructure, housing, and business development to ensure small communities can attract and retain residents.
His goal is to bring attention to rural towns’ needs and the challenges they face in keeping up with larger urban areas.
