Iowa Democrat running unopposed in GOP-held state legislative race

Iowa Democrats are sure to pick up at least one seat in the Iowa House this election cycle as there is no Republican candidate running in one GOP-held district.

In Iowa’s 81st House District, Davenport School Board President Dan Gosa is the only Democratic candidate on the general election ballot. Democrats hold 36 of the 100 Iowa House seats, which is the Democratic Party’s smallest contingent in the lower chamber for more than 55 years, according to Bleeding Heartland .

In 2022, Republican State Rep. Luana Stoltenberg won the open seat by just 11 votes following a controversial series of recounts . Earlier this year, she announced she would not be seeking reelection.

“It has been an honor to serve the people of District 81 and the state of Iowa,” Stoltenberg said in her resignation. “I am grateful for the opportunity and have enjoyed my time in the Statehouse immensely."

Iowa Republicans couldn't recruit anyone to take her place. There were no independent or third-party candidates who filed their candidacy before the Aug. 24 filing deadline either.

President Joe Biden received 53.4% of the vote in what is now part of Iowa House District 81, while former President Donald Trump received 44.5% of the vote during the 2020 election. In terms of voter registration, the latest figures show 7,582 registered Democrats, 5,812 Republicans, and 9,342 voters with no-party registration.

While Gosa is all but sure to pick up this seat, he told the outlet he is still campaigning as though he has an opponent.

“I love hitting doors, talking to people," he said.

Gosa noted that Democrats in Scott County, Iowa, “have been doing a phenomenal job” organizing volunteers.

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“I’m going to work it just the same as if I had an opponent,” Gosa continued.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Republican Party of Iowa for comment.