Richard Lorence and Jeremy True: Reflecting on the 2024 election loss
The 2024 election is over but a lot can still be learned. Among those who had less than ideal endings to their campaigns, were school employees Richard Lorence and Jeremy True.
Lorence, who works as a behavior interventionist and campus security officer, ran for Iowa Senate District 30. While True, an English Language Learner teacher, vied for Iowa House Seat District 59. They both entered the race with high expectations, bringing strong ideas to the table for improving the state’s education system. Although their campaigns gathered attention, in the end, both candidates fell short of voters’ approval.
Jeremy True
One of the first things we learn as kids is that lessons can be learned from failure. When asked if he would do anything differently, True said, “I ran the campaign I wanted to run. I kept it honest.” Although True is disappointed in the results, he feels he did what was needed and is happy about the way he went about his campaign.
“I’m not gonna look back and say ‘I should’ve done this’ or ‘I should’ve done that better’ because I did what I thought was best,” True said. “I want to keep a level of respect I keep in my classroom.”
The votes were close, with True getting 48.78% support. His main goals were to improve the public education system, lower costs and higher wages, help provide access to mental health care, and improve job prospects for younger generations.
“When I see a problem or need to improve, I look for ways to fix it,” said True.
Born and raised in Mason City, Iowa, True saw an opportunity for change in his hometown. After traveling the world, while going to school in Germany and Australia and also teaching in Japan, True came back to Mason City to make that dream come true.
In the end, True says he learned a lot through this experience. He says students who may want to go into politics or make a change in the world or community should remember, “It’s really important to stick to who you are.”
Richard Lorence
Although the results were far from what he wanted, Lorence states he is still “So incredibly proud of the campaign that we ran.”
“We ran a campaign that was positive, that kept the issues out in front. I never once mentioned my opponent out in public. I never once talked ill of my opponent. I never once stopped believing that our side was better, not once. Because I believe truly that if you cannot run on your own merits, you should not be running for office,” Lorence said.
Despite his extensive effort, Lorence’s campaign didn’t quite pull through. He received 42-percent of the votes against his opponent, Doug Campbell.
Lorence’s journey started while working at the school. He kept finding flaws in the system he didn’t like. In his current position, he doesn’t have the power to fix those. “I’m tired of listening to people say you can’t do anything about it,” he said.
One of Lorence’s biggest concerns was the Iowa public school system. His main goal was, and still is, to create a brighter future for students and all people of future generations.
“Everything was just bothering me,” Lorence said, “So I just said, ‘OK, I’m gonna do this because I wanna make a difference. In the back of my mind, I wanted to make tomorrow better for you guys and for our students.”
Even with the thought of failure in the back of his mind during the campaign, Lorence found his motivation by thinking of his students and the next generation. During a high school event, he had a memorable moment with a mother. She pointed to her young daughter and told Lorence, “You know you’re running for her.” After the loss, Lorence stated, “I feel like I let down that little girl.”
“You go through all the emotions. You go through the disappointment and heartache,” said Lorence. The loss was disappointing and discouraging for Lorence, but he says he’s doing his best to stay positive after the experience, stating, “I truly believe everything happens for a reason.”
Turning loss into an opportunity
Looking ahead, both Lorence and True are committed to continuing their work to improve the world around them. Neither one has decided if they would retry this path in their life again.
The biggest advice Lorence has for students interested in politics, or any field is to, “start early and be involved and once you’re involved, stay involved.”
