(Council Bluffs, IA) Dan Dawson (R-Council Bluffs) announced today he will challenge Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs) for the Iowa Senate District 8 seat which includes Carter Lake and Council Bluffs.
Dawson, an Abraham Lincoln High School graduate, is the third generation from his family to reside and work in Council Bluffs. Dawson and his wife Chrystal have two children, Alex, age 7 and Madelyn, 5.
“My entire adult life has been in service to this community and our country,” Dawson said. “I want to continue this service in the Iowa Senate, where I will work to create an environment where future generations are able to secure exciting career opportunities, receive a great education, and reside in safe neighborhoods in Council Bluffs and Carter Lake.”
Dawson stressed the need for fiscal discipline and accountability.
“We must pass budgets which reflect our state and community priorities. In recent years, the downturn in the agriculture industry has resulted in dwindling reserves and an over-reliance on one-time funds. We must treat our state budget like our family budget, and not spend more than we take in, and certainly not rush to raise property taxes.”
Dawson currently serves in the Army Reserves, where he earned his current rank of Chief Warrant Officer. He has honorably served our country for the past 17 years, mobilizing four times in defense of the U.S. with deployments to Kosovo, Iraq and twice to Afghanistan.
“After two protracted wars we have asked for much sacrifice from our veterans and their families. I will ensure Iowa prioritizes our veterans through educational opportunities, home buying assistance and the Iowa Veterans Home. We must never forget their service, and make sure Iowa is a place where a veteran chooses to call home.”
Dawson followed in his father’s footsteps to serve as a law enforcement officer in Council Bluffs. He worked in the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Council Bluffs Police Department. Dawson is currently a Special Agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, where he works in the Major Crimes Unit.
“As someone who has spent my life keeping our community and country safe, I’m concerned about potential threats to our great state,” Dawson said. “Iowa cannot wait for the dysfunction in the federal government to be resolved before we look forward to the future. One of my priorities is to develop the necessary infrastructure across Iowa to better equip law enforcement and first responders in addressing potential threats.
Dawson is a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church of Council Bluffs, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has served as a director in the State Police union.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix applauded Dawson’s background in law enforcement and the military.
“Dan is someone who understands the importance of putting community and country first,” Senator Dix said. “This is something he has done throughout his entire professional career in the military and law enforcement. It will be an honor to serve with Dan in the Iowa Senate.”
