West Des Moines City Councilor Mickelson not seeking reelection, citing business and family reasons

West Des Moines City Councilor John Mickelson will not be seeking reelection. 

Mickelson, who was elected in 2013 and reelected in 2015, announced he would not be seeking to regain his Ward 2 seat in a release on Friday. 

"I have gotten a taste for public service and I loved the opportunity to serve," he said. "I am proud of the successes we've had as a city during my time in office."

Mickelson cited his job as the owner of Midwest Growth Partners and family as reasons he will not be seeking reelection.

"I will miss serving, but when I was elected, I did not own a business and had only three sons, none of which were in activities," he said. "Now I am a small business owner and have four sons, all of which are in activities. I am going to spend the next several years building my business and watching and coaching as many youth activities as possible."

A West Des Moines native, Mickelson is a graduate of Valley High School and attended the University of Iowa, where he was on the football team. 

Mickelson may not be done with local government for good, however, saying the next phase of his life may having him running for office again someday.

"After this next phase of my life, I would welcome another stint at elected public service if folks will have me," he said. 

Longtime West Des Moines City Councilor Jim Sandager also announced he wouldn't seek reelection last week. So far, Matt McKinney, an attorney, and Ryan Crane, a local nonprofit leader, have announced their campaigns for Sandager's at-large open seat. 

Gage Miskimen is a news reporter mostly covering West Des Moines, Waukee, and Clive for the Register. Reach him at gmiskimen@dmreg.com or 515-284-8234. Follow him on Twitter @gagemisky

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