Libertarian candidate Nicolas Gluba talks campaign, ballot lawsuit

Libertarian candidate Nicolas Gluba is challenging his removal from the Iowa gubernatorial ballot, arguing that his running mate, Jules Cutler, was incorrectly informed by election officials that her affidavit of candidacy was not required by the June 2 deadline. Gluba claims that the State Objection Panel, which subsequently removed him and Cutler, was advised by the Secretary of State's Office, a situation a district court judge reportedly described as "smelling bad." Gluba is awaiting a judge's decision on his lawsuit to restore his candidacy for the November election.

As a member of the Lone Tree City Council and a former U.S. Marine, Gluba's campaign focuses on several key issues. He advocates for a full moratorium on new data centers in Iowa, citing their strain on infrastructure and potential to increase electricity and water costs for residents. Gluba recently attended a data center protest in Ames and also campaigns against AI-powered camera systems, which he believes violate Fourth Amendment rights.

Additionally, Gluba supports strengthening public education and has drafted an anti-eminent domain bill, which passed both the Iowa House and Senate but was vetoed by Governor Kim Reynolds. He believes such legislation is crucial to prevent the use of eminent domain for private projects like carbon sequestration pipelines. Gluba has faced previous ballot challenges, including one in his 2024 congressional campaign due to changes in Libertarian Party law. He emphasizes individual freedom as the core tenet of the Libertarian Party and aims to address what he perceives as a decline in Iowa's educational standing and a lack of affordable housing in communities like Lone Tree.