DES MOINES, Iowa – The Democrats will gain one more spot in the Iowa House because no Republicans ran for House District 81 in Scott County.
The spot was empty after Rep. Luana Stoltenberg decided not to run again.
Stoltenberg said, “It has been an honor to serve the people of District 81 and the state of Iowa.” “I’m thankful for the chance and have loved my time in the Statehouse a lot.” I have thought about this choice and believe it is best for my family and me. It is still my goal to protect unborn children from abortion and build a culture of life in Iowa and across the country.
Stoltenberg did a lot of work in the Iowa House. She was on the Committees for Local Government, Veterans Affairs, and Natural Resources.
Democrat Dan Gosa is the only person who will be on the ballot in November.
As per the Iowa House Democrats, Gosa is the head of the Davenport Public School Board and has been a member of the board since 2015. His union says that he has worked on construction projects removing asbestos and putting in insulation.
Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, said in a TikTok video, “He’s going to be a great addition to our caucus and it means we’re one step closer.” We need 14 more seats to get things done on important topics like lowering costs for Iowa families, putting money into public schools, and protecting the right to have children.
Republicans currently hold 64 seats in the Iowa House, while Democrats only have 36 seats.
Candidates from big parties had to file to be on the ballot by August 21, but candidates from non-political parties have until August 24. Candidates must get 50 signatures from people in the area and hold a convention with 25 electors to run.
Something like that might happen, but Melissa Saitz, Communications Director for the Iowa House Republicans, says that would not be their plan.
We tried to get in touch with the Iowa Republican Party but did not hear back.