Table of Contents
Introduction
Every 10 years we complete the US Census. After that, the various Statehouses (and Congress) redraw their district maps with the goal of keeping approximately the same number of people in each district. Depending on who you listen to, they may also try to gerrymander in favor of themselves or against their opponent.
In any case, redistricting has come! In the next election, Iowa will be getting both a new State Representative and a new State Senator. We were formerly in House District 78, represented by Jarad Klein. Now, we will be in House District 88. Since Klein declined to run for re-election, that leaves us with an open seat.
House District 88 Boundaries
The former District 78 included Keokuk and Washington County. The new District 88 includes Keokuk County, Mahaska County, and Jefferson County (excluding Fairfield and Maharishi Vedic City). See the map below from the LSA:
Declared Candidates in House District 88
According to the Iowa Secretary of State, the declared candidates for the Democrats are Lisa Ossian of Oskaloosa, who is currently a member of Oskaloosa City Council after losing a 2020 run for Mahaksa County Supervisor, and for the Republicans Dustin Hite, who was representing the old District 79, and Helena J. Hayes, both of New Sharon.
Iowa Senate District 39
Keokuk County was formerly in Iowa Senate District 39, which included Johnson, Keokuk and Washington Counties. Our current senator Kevin Kinney of Washington has indicated he plans to run in the new District 46 which includes Johnson (but similarly not Fairfield or Maharishi Vedic City), Washington and Iowa County.
Senate District 44 Boundaries
Keokuk County is now covered in Senate District 44, which includes Mahaska County, Keokuk County, Jefferson County and Van Buren County. See the Senate map below from the LSA:
Declared Candidates in Senate District 44
In Senate District 44, Adrian Dickey of Packwood is running unopposed. There is no Democratic candidate running in this race. Dickey currently represents District 41, including parts of Wapello and Jefferson Counties, and all of Davis and Van Buren Counties.