Get to Know Me

About Grant D. Hill

Fighting for Redemption, Opportunity, and Common-Sense Reform

My name is Grant Dmitry Hill, and I am running for the Iowa House of Representatives in District 88. I am not a career politician. I am someone who has lived through struggle, faced the consequences of my actions, and come out the other side with a renewed purpose: to fight for people who feel forgotten, silenced, or left behind.

A Foundation Built by Family

I was born in Russia and adopted at age three. One of my first memories is proudly sharing animal crackers with the kids in the orphanage, a small moment that taught me what it means to give. That was only possible because my family saved me from that orphanage and gave me a chance at life in Iowa.

I was raised by two incredible educators, each with nearly four decades of teaching experience. My dad was my fifth and sixth-grade teacher and coached me from fourth grade all the way through high school graduation. To this day, he is the rock I would be completely lost without and the person I can call at 2 a.m. no matter what. My mom taught me music, sparking a lifelong passion, and today she provides the steady, no-nonsense guidance I do not always want to hear but always need. Growing up, they offered me every resource and avenue for help, even when my own stubbornness made me think I had to figure everything out on my own.

My adopted sister, who was just one grade below me, was and still is my rock. We shared so many formative experiences, from taking our high school graduation pictures together to traveling to Florida and Wisconsin for Show Choir. We even achieved success together in large group speech for choral reading, performing at All-State. Today, she is the blunt, no-bullshit voice of reason in my life who never hesitates to tell me the hard truth.

That foundation of unconditional support extends to my two remaining grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who have been there from the beginning. When I hit my lowest point and went to prison, my godmother became a vital lifeline, writing to me constantly and guiding me through my hardest days.

Rising and Falling

Supported by my family, I graduated near the top of my high school class and entered the honors program at the University of Northern Iowa. I climbed the corporate ladder quickly, becoming one of the youngest General Managers in my Five Guys region and opening one of their most successful stores just days before COVID lockdowns. I later became a hotel General Manager for Marriott, leading teams and breaking performance records.

But my life took difficult turns. In 2017, I was convicted of a felony theft charge and sentenced to probation. Then in 2021, I was convicted of two misdemeanor sex offenses and sentenced to prison. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I also believe people should be defined by how they rise, not just how they fall.

Redemption and Responsibility

While incarcerated, I chose to change. I became a Praise and Worship leader in prison, completed college courses through DMACC and Grinnell, and worked out daily to rebuild my health and discipline. I found deep spiritual growth through New Life Prison Church and committed myself to helping others, especially those who feel like they have been counted out.

I am not ashamed of my story. It has made me who I am. And it is the reason I am running for office, because real change comes from lived experience, not political talking points.

The Reality of Hard Work and Recovery

I know what it means to work hard, and you will never find a candidate who outworks me. Currently, I work 12-hour shifts at a roof tile factory and hold a second part-time job making pizzas at a local gas station one day a week. I also regularly donate plasma, which is why making Iowa a national leader in plasma donation is a key part of my legislative platform.

My commitment to personal growth and my community is non-negotiable. I attend two Celebrate Recovery meetings a week, and I am actively working to start a third meeting in Keota with the goal of expanding these vital resources to all of District 88. I also attend a 12-Step meeting in Iowa City to maintain my health and accountability. Balancing these jobs, my recovery, hosting a podcast, running a nonprofit, and managing a political campaign takes relentless dedication. I would not have it any other way.

When I do get a rare moment of free time, you can usually find me cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes at almost every home men's and women's basketball game.

Turning Experience Into Action

After my release, I founded 1 Love Legacy, a nonprofit dedicated to giving second chances and helping people rebuild their lives after prison, addiction, or other struggles. Our mission is simple: show that redemption is real, that people can change, and that no one should be defined by their worst moments.

Through 1 Love Legacy, I work with returning citizens, families, and communities to provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for growth. This work is not just political. It is deeply personal.

Amplifying Real Stories: Legacy Unchained

Real change requires honest conversations. That is why I host the Legacy Unchained podcast. Right now, the focus is entirely on my story. It is a raw, faith-filled space where I talk about redemption, trauma, and the journey from hitting rock bottom to finding renewed purpose.

It is an extension of my work with 1 Love Legacy and a platform to reclaim my voice and humanity. It is proof that our past mistakes do not have to dictate our future impact.

Learning the Ropes at the Capitol

My advocacy goes beyond my podcast and nonprofit. I have been actively lobbying at the Iowa Capitol, visiting about a dozen times this session alone. I believe in showing up and doing the work.

During these visits, I have focused on building relationships with lawmakers and staffers to learn how the system works. I have even developed a positive working relationship with our current representative, who is also my opponent in this race. She has been incredibly helpful and kind, showing me around the Capitol and providing valuable guidance on who to speak with regarding the issues I am lobbying for. It has been a wonderful experience learning how to advocate effectively for our community.

My advocacy has also led to incredible opportunities. I work closely with Iowans Unafraid, and I am honored to have been asked to be a Plenary speaker for the NARSOL national conference in Baltimore this June.

The People’s Hill

This campaign is not about image. It is about impact. That is why I named it The People’s Hill, not after me, but after us. I believe in an Iowa where every person has the chance to rise, no matter their past.

I know what it means to fall, but I also know what it means to fight your way back. I am living proof that people can change, grow, and give back. Now, I am asking for your support, not just to elect me, but to join me in building something real.

Grant D. Hill Candidate for Iowa House, District 88