Iowa House Democrats are set to gain an extra seat in the upcoming elections as no Republican candidate has filed to run in House District 81 in Scott County.
Rep. Luana Stoltenberg declined to seek reelection, leaving the position empty.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of District 81 and the state of Iowa,” Stoltenberg said. “I am grateful for the opportunity and have enjoyed my time in the Statehouse immensely. I have prayed on this decision and feel it is what is best for me and my family. I will continue my work to protect unborn babies from abortion and creating a culture of Life in Iowa and across the country.”
Stoltenberg was a member of the Iowa House Local Government, Veterans Affairs, and Natural Resources Committees.
Democrat Dan Gosa is the only contender scheduled to appear on the ballot in November.
Gosa is president of the Davenport Public School Board, a position he has held since 2015. He has performed insulation and asbestos abatement on job sites, according to his union.
Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, stated in a TikTok video, “He’ll be a tremendous addition to our caucus, and it means we’re one step closer. We need 14 additional members to address crucial problems such as decreasing Iowa families’ costs, investing in public schools, and protecting reproductive rights.”
Republicans presently have 64 seats in the Iowa House, compared to Democrats’ 36.
Major party candidates were required to file to participate on the ballot by August 21, although non-political party organizations had until August 24. To run, candidates must gather 50 signatures from the district and hold a convention with 25 electors.
While that is possible, Iowa House Republican Communications Director Melissa Saitz says it will not be their initiative.
