Meet Nathan Sage

A portrait of Nathan Sage, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Iowa, sitting in his garage with toolboxes in the background.

Raised in a trailer park in Mason City. mechanic, marine, veteran, sports broadcaster, Knoxville Chamber president, husband and father.

Born at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, Iowa, Nathan Sage, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, grew up in a working-class family as the second of four children to Ron and Toni Sage. 

Nathan’s father, Ron was a U.S. Air Force veteran who worked at a rubber and plastics factory to support his family until he passed from cancer in 2007. His mother, Toni, held various jobs before becoming a daycare and preschool teacher and later a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She completed her career at Mercy Hospital before passing away from leukemia in 2022.

After graduating from Mason City High School, Nathan chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Rising to the rank of Corporal, he served two deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in Iraq Nathan provided  security for Camp Al Taqaddum and served as a mechanic with the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 1st Marine Corps Division, ensuring operational readiness for critical equipment.

After returning from Iraq, Nathan enlisted in the United States Army, serving from November 2008 until 2013. Once again, Nathan became a Corporal and was part of the 1st Army Infantry Division, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, and 601st Battalion.

Following his military service, Nathan worked as a mechanic, servicing cars instead of tanks. He then used the GI Bill to attend Kansas State University. While getting his degree, Nathan, like so many Americans, had to work through college. Nathan worked nights as a screen printer to make ends meet and so that his family could get by. 

After completing his degree, Nathan moved back to Iowa, where he served as News Director and Sports Director for two radio stations. Through this work, he built deep relationships with community members and local business leaders in Iowa. In May of 2023, Nathan became Executive Director of the Knoxville, Iowa Chamber of Commerce, where he focuses on economic development, supporting local businesses, and fostering community pride.

Nathan is married to Amanda Sutherland-Sage and a father of two. They reside in Indianola, Iowa, where they are active community members.