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CEDAR FALLS — Henry Gaff, co-chair of the Iowa Green Party and chairman of the Black Hawk County Green Party, announced his bid for the 1st District congressional seat, making him the first entrant into the contest.

Gaff said Iowans deserve a “progressive choice” and noted his inspiration from former Democratic primary presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. Gaff’s platform includes tax reforms and a single-payer health system.

Gaff, of Cedar Falls, is just 18. The U.S. Constitution calls for U.S. House of Representatives members to be 25 years old, but Gaff argues no one elected by the people has been denied office based on their age.

“I maintain that my platform is more important than my age; we need fresh ideas in government anyway,” Gaff said. “Most people don’t feel like they’re seeing any change for the better, and who could blame them following the 2016 election? We’re going to turn all that around, and that’s why I’m running for office — to start building a government that works for us.”

Gaff will hold a campaign rally at 1:30 p.m. May 21 at Overman Park in Cedar Falls, where he anticipates a number of progressive candidates for office will speak.