(Iowa Chief Justice Mark Cady swearing in Mike Naig as Iowa Agriculture Secretary)
(DES MOINES, Iowa) Mike Naig was sworn in today (Monday) as Iowa Agriculture Secretary. Naig had been Deputy Ag Secretary under Bill Northey for the past four years, and was named by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to take over for Northey, who's moving to the USDA.
Naig says he'll focus on a smooth transition, and keeping the department's mission of protecting consumers, natural resources, and promoting Iowa.
He also tells WHO Radio News having Bill Northey as an Under Secretary in the USDA will be good for Iowa farmers.
Naig is a native of northwest Iowa. He will serve out the rest of Northey's term, and says he is considering running for re-election in what's shaping up to be a crowded field of candidates. If Naig runs, he would join Craig Lang, Ray Gasser, Chad Ingles, and State Senator Dan Zumbach in a Republican Primary. Democrat Tim Gannon has announced he is running as well.