A Republican candidate for Congress visited Ottumwa to meet with voters, Friday.

Gary Leffler, of Blakesburg, is vying for a chance to run against incumbent Congresswoman Cindy Axne in the race for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.

Leffler and his family have lived in Wapello County for a total of 18 years. Leffler told KTVO Southeastern Iowans will have a greater say in this election compared to previous years.

"The way the redistricting is now, half of the population is in rural areas and the other half in urban areas," said Leffler. "For the first time, people in rural counties can determine the direction this election will go."

If elected, he wants to work on finding a solutions towards the rising cost of produce and gas Iowans have been facing.

Republicans Nicole Hasso and Zach Nunn have also announced plans to run for Congress in Iowa's 3rd District.

Iowa's primary election is June 7, 2022.