Senator Michael Breitbach, R-Strawberry Point, announced Monday he will retire as the senator for District 28 at the end of his second term.
District 28 is comprised of all of Allamakee and Clayton counties and parts of Fayette and Winneshiek counties. Tapscott is the former chair of the Winneshiek County Democrats.
“Several years ago, I ran for office because I was concerned about the direction of our state and I believed Iowa’s rural communities, small business owners, and families like mine needed an advocate,” said Breitbach. “In my second term in the Iowa Senate, I proudly voted for laws to eliminate burdensome regulations, encourage success and innovation, and also give Iowans the biggest income tax cut in state history. It has been an honor serving the people of Senate District 28, and I have enjoyed meeting people from all over the district and hearing about issues important to them.”
Breitbach is a 1974 graduate of Edgewood-Colesburg Community Schools and a 1978 graduate of Loras College, where he earned a degree in accounting and business.
After college, Senator Breitbach formed Trans Star Trucking, a 20-employee cement and fly ash hauling company, with his brother Tim and Roger Swales in 1984. In 1987, Breitbach joined Smith Insurance in Strawberry Point, a 10-employee agency, eventually becoming a partner in 1992. Breitbach remained a partner for 28 years. In 1997, he purchased Swales Precast Inc, a 15-employee precast concrete manufacturer, with his brother and Roger Swales.

Tascott running
Democrat Matt Tapscott of Decorah announced in September that he is running for the District 28 Senate seat currently held by Breitbach.
An Iowa native, Tapscott owns and operates Almost Home Early Learning – Naturally, an Iowa Department of Human Services regulated Child Development Home. He serves currently as president of the Iowa Family Child Care Association and is a regular presenter at Child Care conferences.
He served three years in the U.S. Marines, serving as a weapons platoon sergeant in the Pacific Rim.