O’Brien, 72, of Fayette, was selected as the Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 68 during a Democratic nominating convention. The district covers parts of Black Hawk, Buchanan and Fayette counties including Dunkerton, Elk Run Heights, Jesup, Oelwein and West Union.

He said he is concerned about recent changes to public schools, area education agencies and reproductive health care.

“All Republican do is tear s— up. If you have a problem, fix it, just don’t destroy it,” he said. “I don’t think Republicans know how to govern, all they know is how to tear it up.”

O’Brien has 15 years of experience as an elected official on the board of the North Fayette Valley Community School District and as the trustee for Westfield Township.

O’Brien retired in 2016 from John Deere where he ran a product support territory for its mining division, which stretched from Maine to the Dakotas to Kansas. He currently volunteers with the Fayette Ambulatory Service. He also owns and runs a century farm with his wife. He is originally from Volga in Clayton County.

He said he is ready for television attack ads from his opponent.

“Good schools, good roads and keeping the government out of reproductive decisions – go ahead and call me a liberal if that’s what that means to you,” he said.

Ingels has been in office since 2021. He has represented House District 68 since 2023 after boundaries were redistricted. He previously represented House District 64, which covered areas between Brandon, Sumner and Lamont.