- United States
- Iowa
- Letter
Request for Public Assurance Upholding the Two-Term Presidential Limit
To: Dir. Pate
From: A constituent in Des Moines, IA
October 28
I am writing as a concerned Iowan who believes that constitutional limits must be upheld without exception. Former President Donald Trump has recently stated that he “would love” to run for a third term, while his allies, including Steve Bannon, have spoken openly of plans for him to do so in 2028. These statements directly test the boundaries of the Constitution and the courage of those entrusted to enforce it.
The Twenty-Second Amendment clearly states that “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.” Under Iowa Code §§ 43.23 and 43.78, you are responsible for certifying candidates for the presidential ballot. That authority carries an equally binding duty to reject any filing that violates the Constitution’s explicit limits.
I respectfully request that you make a public statement by December 15, 2025, affirming that the State of Iowa will not certify or accept any presidential candidate who has already been elected to two terms. I also ask that you provide a written response to this letter confirming your office’s position.
Iowa has long stood for fairness and the rule of law. I trust you will uphold that tradition by affirming, clearly and publicly, that no one is above the Constitution.