Polk County Democrats (IA)

2026 Polk County Steak Fry

The Polk County Democratic Party proudly welcomes you to the 2026 Steak Fry on Saturday, August 29 at our great location within Water Works Park at the Des Moines Biergarten!


We're thrilled to announce that Congressman Jamie Raskin will headline the 2026 Polk County Steak Fry on Saturday, August 29 at the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park!


Representing Maryland's 8th Congressional District since 2017, Rep. Raskin is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. A constitutional law professor for 25 years before coming to Congress, he has become one of the nation's leading voices in defending democracy, the rule of law, and the U.S. Constitution.


Rep. Raskin served as the lead impeachment manager during President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial and was a member of the House Select Committee that investigated the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.


Polk County Democratic Party Chair Bill Brauch called Rep. Raskin "the constitutional conscience of Congress."

"In many ways, Jamie Raskin is the chief advocate for the Constitution in Congress. As a constitutional law professor, Raskin is Congress' most knowledgeable member regarding the U.S. Constitution. We are honored to welcome him to Iowa and to the Polk County Steak Fry."

We're thrilled to announce that Senator Sheldon Whitehouse will also join Rep. Jamie Raskin and the lineup of speakers for the 2026 Polk County Steak Fry on Saturday, August 29 at the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park!


Representing Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate since 2007, Sen. Whitehouse has built a career focused on environmental protection, government accountability, health care, and American leadership abroad. He currently serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Helsinki Commission, and as a senior member of the Judiciary, Budget, and Finance Committees.


Before his election to the Senate, Whitehouse served as Rhode Island's U.S. Attorney and state attorney general. In the Senate, he has worked across the aisle on issues including infrastructure, criminal justice reform, the opioid crisis, ocean conservation, and reducing plastic pollution.


A leading voice on climate change and the influence of special interests in our democracy, Sen. Whitehouse has also been a staunch defender of Social Security and Medicare and an advocate for improving health care while lowering costs.


Our attendees will also hear from Skye Perryman, President & CEO of Democracy Forward. Named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2025, Perryman leads Democracy Forward, a nationally recognized, nonpartisan legal organization that works to protect democracy, defend civil rights, and uphold the rule of law through litigation, policy advocacy, and public education.


In addition to Rep. Raskin, Sen. Whitehouse and Skye Perryman, you can look forward to hearing from our great slate of statewide and congressional candidates running across Iowa!


Gates open at 11:00 AM, with meal service starting at 12:00 PM and the program kicking off at 1:00 PM.

Individual tickets are just $50. This year's event will be catered by Great Caterers of Iowa, offering steak, chicken, or a vegan option with sides. Kids 12 and under eat for free.


Please send any accessibility requests to polkdems@gmail.com.


**Bulk ticket purchases (over 20 tickets) must be completed two weeks before the event. Contact polkdems@gmail.com for more information.


**To ensure a steak meal, tickets should be purchased by August 22!


Sponsorship levels include:

  • Friend ($100): Includes one meal, recognition at the event
  • Supporter ($250): Includes two meals, recognition at the event
  • Sponsor ($500): Includes up to four meals, recognition at the event
  • Host ($1,000): Includes up to six meals, recognition at the event
  • Defender ($2,500): Includes up to 12 meals, recognition at the event
  • Champion ($5,000): Includes up to 15 meals, recognition at the event


Come be a part of this landmark American political tradition!

 

Contribution rules

  1. I am at least eighteen years old.
  2. This contribution is made from my own funds, and funds are not being provided to me by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.
  3. I am making this contribution with my own personal credit card and not with a corporate or business credit card or a card issued to another person.
  4. I am a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (i.e., green card holder).
Paid for by the Polk County Democratic Central Committee.

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