Des Moines school board chair Jackie Norris on Tuesday launched her bid for Senate in Iowa, seeking the seat currently held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst.

Norris, a Democrat, has a significant political background. She worked on Barack Obama’s Iowa campaign operation and served as chief of staff to first lady Michelle Obama for the beginning of the Obama administration.

“As a teacher and a school board member, you see the invisible burdens that Iowa families are carrying ” Norris said in her campaign launch video , highlighting her time as a school teacher. “Right now, too many families can’t afford to put food on the table and make ends meet. We have to find a way to make things more affordable for families.”

Her husband, John Norris, has been active in Iowa and national politics as

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