CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (March 5, 2014) – Swati Dandekar (IA CD-01), candidate for U.S. Congress, announced tonight she has shot past the petition signature mark needed for inclusion in the primary election ballot in June 2014. Upon filing the petitions with the Iowa Secretary of State on Thursday morning, Dandekar will become the first official candidate in District 1.

“I have been meeting with the residents of District 1 for over seven months,” said Dandekar. “We have discussed ideas for the future of the state and the best interests of the district. I plan to continue these conversations right up until June 3 and beyond.”

Dandekar has gathered over 3,500 signatures, well above the 2,256 needed by the Iowa Secretary of State.

Dandekar is running for the U.S. House of Representatives seat vacated by Bruce Braley. Braley is currently running for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Tom Harkin.

Dandekar acknowledges the dedication and passion of her ground team as a large contributing factor to her being the first candidate to file in the district.

“Our staff has been working day in and day out to ensure we hear what the public has to say,” she said. The announcement also comes after a recent endorsement by the John Deere Political Action Committee, reflecting Dandekar’s reputation as a leader on economic development.

Dandekar plans to deliver the signatures, along with her Affidavit of Candidacy, to the Secretary of State Thursday morning.

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