LEGISLATIVE MAPS REARRANGED

Three legislators that currently represent portions of Jasper County will no longer reside there as a result of the state’s new redistricting plan.

State Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, of Iowa Senate District 14, is now living in Senate District 12; State Sen. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, of Iowa Senate District 15, lives in Senate District 23; and State Rep. Jon Thorup, R-Knoxville, of Iowa House District 28, is now a part of House District 21.

All of Jasper County is included in Senate District 19, as is most of Marion County — excluding Knoxville and the areas directly east of it.

Sinclair said so many great relationships were built in the Lynnville, Monroe, Reasnor and Sully communities she represented in Senate District 14. However, the legislature still has another year of work to attend to before representatives take over the new districts. Sinclair noted she is still her district’s senator.

“For the next 13-14 months still I represent them,” she told Newton News in a phone interview Oct. 29. “And, by all means, any of the concerns they have or issues that come out for them, please feel free to contact me as they always have … I want to continue to do the job I was elected to do for them.”

It has been “an absolute joy” getting to know the citizens of Jasper County, she added, especially when her home in Wayne County is located more than 60 miles south of Monroe. When Sinclair was first elected, she didn’t know how much interaction she would have with Jasper County residents.

“But I made the effort and so have they,” she said. “So it’s been a really good working relationship.”

Jon Dunwell, who was recently elected to represent Iowa House District 29, will have to run for “re-election” in House District 38, which encompasses most of Jasper County. The southern segment of Jasper County — mostly Monroe and Prairie City — is now classified as House District 37.

The new redistricting maps also show U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, of Iowa’s Second Congressional District, sharing residence in the same district as fellow congresswoman Cindy Axne. Miller-Meeks said in a statement she will be “evaluating the new districts” and make an announcement shortly.

“The new congressional boundaries have placed Congresswoman Axne and me in the same district,” Miller-Meeks said. “I have indicated that I will be a candidate for re-election. I will be evaluating the new districts to determine my next step, which I will be announcing shortly.”

Jasper County will be in Iowa Congressional District 1, which covers much of the state’s southeast corner. Jasper County’s position is unique in that it borders the three other congressional districts — Poweshiek County in District 2, Polk County in District 3 and Marshal and Story Counties in District 4.

Districts will be effective beginning with the 2022 elections.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com