For Bubba, serving Iowa has always been about something bigger than politics. It's about family, community, hard work, and giving back to the people and places that make Iowa special.

Born in Creston and raised in Fontanelle, Bubba grew up with the values that define rural Iowa: faith, family, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic. His childhood was filled with sports, showing cattle, drawing, and learning the importance of lending a hand when someone needed it.

His father gave him the nickname “Bubba” when he was a baby, and it stuck. Today, most Iowans know him simply as Bubba.

In 1999, inspired by the movie Saving Private Ryan, Bubba decided to honor America's veterans in a way he knew best: through art.

He began painting a large boulder near Menlo, Iowa, creating what would become the original Freedom Rock®. What started as one young artist's tribute to those who served grew into something much bigger.

Every year, Bubba returns to the original Freedom Rock to paint a new tribute honoring our nation's veterans.

In 2013, Bubba and his wife, Maria, launched the Iowa Freedom Rock® Tour, an ambitious effort to place a uniquely painted veterans memorial in every one of Iowa's 99 counties. That dream became a reality in 2021.

Today, the Freedom Rock® project has expanded beyond Iowa through the 50 State Freedom Rock® Tour, sharing the stories of America's veterans and preserving their sacrifices for future generations.

His work has earned numerous honors, including the George Washington Honor Medal from the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, the Iowa Jaycees' Outstanding Young Iowan Award, and the Commander's Award for Public Service.

But for Bubba, the greatest reward has never been the recognition. It's been the opportunity to meet veterans, listen to their stories, and make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

In 2007, Bubba married his wife, Maria. Together, they founded Sorensen Studios in 2008, building a small business around art, murals, graphic design, and the Freedom Rock® project.

Like countless Iowa families, the Sorensens know what it means to balance raising children, running a business, paying bills, meeting deadlines, and working hard to build a future.

Bubba and Maria are raising three children: Independence (Indie), Michael (Mikey), and Liberty (Libby).

Being a husband, father, and small business owner shapes Bubba's perspective on public service.

He understands that government decisions have real consequences for the families, farmers, workers, and business owners who make Iowa run. He believes government should be responsible with taxpayer dollars, respect individual freedoms, and create an environment where people have the opportunity to succeed through their own hard work.

Bubba doesn't just represent small-town Iowa. He lives it.

Bubba's commitment to public service began well before his election to the Iowa Legislature.

He previously served on the Fontanelle City Council, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges local governments face and the importance of listening to the people they serve.

In 2018, voters elected Bubba to the Iowa House of Representatives. He was reelected in 2020, 2022, and 2024.

Today, he represents Iowa House District 23, which includes all of Adair and Madison counties and portions of Dallas, Union, and Clarke counties.

During his legislative service, Bubba has worked on issues affecting Iowa families and communities, including responsible budgeting, economic development, rural broadband, workforce challenges, veterans affairs, education, and strengthening Iowa's rural economy.

His legislative responsibilities have included serving as Chairman of the House Economic Growth and Technology Committee, along with service on the Appropriations, Veterans Affairs, and Federal and Other Funds committees.

Bubba also serves as a nonvoting legislative member of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board, providing another opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities facing Iowa businesses and communities.

He believes that good public policy requires listening, asking difficult questions, examining the facts, and sometimes being willing to disagree—even with members of his own party.

For Bubba, representing a district means representing everyone who lives there, regardless of political affiliation.

Whether he's painting a veterans memorial, working on legislation at the Capitol, visiting a local business, or spending time with his family, Bubba's priorities remain rooted in the communities that raised him.

He believes Iowa's greatest strength has always been its people.

Our farmers who feed the world. Our small business owners who take risks and create jobs. Our teachers who prepare the next generation. Our first responders who answer the call. Our veterans who have defended our freedoms. And the families who work every day to make a better life for their children.

Bubba believes Iowa must continue working to strengthen its rural communities, support responsible economic growth, protect taxpayers, expand opportunity, and preserve the freedoms and values that have made our state a wonderful place to call home.

He also knows that no legislator has all the answers. Listening to constituents, learning from different perspectives, and remaining accountable to the people are essential parts of the job.

“I didn't get into public service because I wanted to be a politician. I wanted to make a difference in the communities that helped make me who I am. I believe in working hard, telling people the truth, and remembering who I work for. It's an honor to represent southwest Iowa, and it's a responsibility I never take lightly.”

— Ray “Bubba” Sorensen