The field of candidates have been set, and many local elections will be competitive in the upcoming primary and November general election.

In the open Senate District 19, incumbent District 40 State Senator Ken Rozenboom has opted to move into the new area and run again for another term after announcing his retirement in December. His challenge will come in November from Newton-based Teacher Tyler Stewart, a Democrat. Rozenboom will have to move from his current district to run again following the conclusion of the current session.

In the open House District 37, two Republicans have filed — incumbent District 28 Representative Jon Thorup, who has opted to run again in the house as opposed to a previously announced campaign in the Iowa Senate, and newcomer Barb Kniff-McCulla of Pella. One Democratic challenger is on the ballot as of the latest update from the Secretary of State’s office: Mike Overman of Pella. Thorup will have to relocate following the current legislative session in order to be eligible for the new seat.

The other house seat in Senate District 19 is for House District 38, which includes southeastern Jasper County and Newton. Republican Jon Dunwell — who won a special election in October 2021, is the current House District 29 Representative, and will have a November challenge from
Democrat Erick Zehr.

Current District 79 Representative Dustin Hite — who currently represents Pella and Oskaloosa, will have a June primary challenge from Republican Helena Hayes of New Sharon in House District 88. The new district no longer includes Pella and is now the eastern half of Mahaska County, New Sharon, all of Keokuk County, and northern Jefferson County. Democrat Lisa Ossian of Oskaloosa will await the winner.