There is a new Democratic candidate for the Iowa 4th congressional district, as former state lawmaker Dave Dawson has told Siouxland Public Media News that he is a candidate for that 2026 contest.
Dawson will officially announce his candidacy with a Wednesday event in Cherokee County, where he was raised. That will take place at noon at the Cherokee Public Library.
Dawson, 51, is a prosecutor with the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office, and now lives in Lawton in Woodbury County with his wife and three children.
Dawson won two terms to the Iowa House in 2012 and 2014, and pointed to his leadership skills and ability to work on bills in bipartisan fashion.
“I believe Congress should focus on policies to let Iowa grow by increasing competition, creating good-paying jobs, and improving quality of life, so more of our young people stay in Iowa,” he said.
Iowa’s 4th congressional district covers Northwest and North Central counties. Other announced candidates are Republicans Matt Windschitl, Chris McGowan, Ryan Rhodes, and Kyle Larsen, along with Democrats Ashley WolfTornabane and Stephanie Steiner.
Current Republican Congressman Randy Feenstra is not running for re-election in 2026.
